FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 592, 19 February 1929, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By

“THE LOOK-OUT MAN

GENE SLIPS .Reseating the attentions of a photo- j grapher at Cannes, Gene Tunney, lately heavy-weight champion of the world, j knocked out the persistent man. No more of the ring’s wild stunting, And the curse of the public gaze l Gene lias turned to ’'highbrow," With a longing for "highbrow" ways. Give him the Bard of Avon. And the ease of the old armchair; And those who seek to disturb him, Had better learn to beware. He wants no more of photographs, No more of pretty social pars: And one who broke his solitude Was whacked—and then saw stars. Gene, though a “highbrow” grown, A really cultivated bo. Has not forgot the gentle art Of loosening a good K.O. BRAWLS MUST STOP Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., has announced that street brawling must be stopped. What’s going to happen to all the Dutch courage that’s aboard after six o’clock each evening? THE BUSY CINNABAR A consignment of Cinnabar moths has arrived at Pavawera. It is reported that the moths, after resting, demanded release, saying: “Now. j bring out your ragwort!” THE LATEST Under a heading—“ New Novels For Sale”—the following recent works are advertised in a Fiji paper: “Robinson Crusoe,” “Ingolsby Legends,” “The Pilgrims’ Progress” and “The Vicar Wakefield.” FIGHTING IRISHMEN Arrangements have been made for a bout between Tom Heeney and Jimmy Maloney on March 1. If the meeting were held 16 days latex - , It would piovide a fitting celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. AS AMERICA SEES US A visiting American millionaire says .that in the United States the Australians and New Zealanders are regarded as the Americans of the British Empire. The L.O.M. wonders why. Perhaps American visitors have noticed horn-rimmed spectacles and assiduous gum-chewers in these parts. DEATHS pF JUDGES With the death of the Chief Justice, Sir Chaides Skerrett, the Supreme Court Bench has lost a third meinber within the past IS months. The first I was Mr. Justice Alpers, who, like Sir Charles Skerrett, had not given long service before his career closed. Mr. Justice Sim, who died toward the end of last year, had been on the Bench 17 years as a permanent judge. POPULATING ITALY Cabled reports state that the Fascists are rigorously enforcing the tax on Italian bachelors, and further, bachelors in government and municipal offices are being denied promotion. Statistics show that the penalties for celibacy are forcing men into -marriage. Italy, with a surplus of 470,000 births over deaths, leads Europe in population increase. The population quota has been fixed by a Fascist newspaper editor who says that each Italian rvoman should produce a son for her country every two years Flight from maternity, he says, is as culpable as a soldier’s desertion in battle.

*3s*3f****sExOr* * rh *•* ’WARE SHARKS Bathers at Little Shoal Bay, near Bii-kenhead, have been keeping close in-shore on account of the appearance of at least one shark. For some reason the sharks are coming into the harbour, particularly the upper reaches. Some have been seen exuising in St. Mary’s Bay, and more freqxxently they have been seen about the hulks in “Rotten Row.” Nobody, of course, has attempted to find what mood the shax-ks ai-e in and most people are only too glad to keep out of their way. Many years ago a man was attacked near the Watchman, but that is Auckland’s only recorded shark tragedy. TALKATIVE PUNTERS When fining a bookmaker at Christchurch yestei’day, Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M., said he had heard the activities of the “firm” talked about on bowling greens. It is difficult to see how a magistrate is entitled to be influenced by information received “in club”; but still he has warned the transgressor that it will be gaol next time, if the evidence is strong enough. It is pretty certain that some of Mr. Mos- ! ley’s garrulous acquaintances will find ; it difficult to get punting accommodai lion in the future.