FROM THE WATCH TOWER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 883, 29 January 1930, Page 8

FROM THE WATCH TOWER

By “THE; LOOK-OUT MAN.” A BATH IN PEACE Because the bathroom door was always locked and a servant with a key had to be called, Mr. J. E. Fenton, Australian delegate to the Naval Conference, has transferred from his first London hotel to the Waldorf. A democratic Aussie, Mr. Fenton, Resents the bathroom custom at his pub, When, after naval puzzles, he’s intent on A little relaxation in the tub. “My stay in this prim hostelry is called off,” Says Mr. Fenton, reaching for the bill. He transfers bag and baggage to the Waldorf Where men may bath just when and how they will. Good luck to Mr. Fenton, who refused to pace the floor While lackeys fumbled pass-keys for a fastened bathroom door ! —DOUGHBOY. THE SHORT SHIRT An old-time name has been revived by a firm of airplane manufacturers, who have named a new flying-boat for the New Zealand Air Force “Cutty Sark.” If the machine is fleet and graceful it is well named, for the famous Cutty Sark of not so long ago was a magnificent clipper ship in the tea trade, and made many a speedy run across the world with her precious cargo. So swift was the Cutty Sark under full sail that sailormen vowed she was powered by supernatural means. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the Cutty Sark was one of the finest and fastest winddriven vessels that ever sailed the seas. As all true Scotsmen know, the name means “Short Shirt,” hut there was nothing short about the shirting above the decks of the slim teaclipper. In a fair wind she was topped with a great cloud of canvas, which lifted her along like a, steamer.

THE CORRECT THING In Australia’s far-away Darwin, it has been decided that aborigines may not visit motion picture theatres without a special permit. The idea is to prevent natives from witnessing scenes calculated to lower the prestige of the white race, and, as an example of aboriginal readiness to follow screen example, tlie story is told of a station owner who allowed his aborigines to visit the pictures for the first time. A little time after, he returned from a short trip, and was met by his wife, whom he embraced in front of the house. To his amazement, aborigines who in the past had tactfully looked the other way, set up a chorus of whistles and cat-calls. At the pictures they had seen a man embrace a woman, and had noted carefully the reception given this by the larrikins in the audience, thinking such a noise a convention of the white man’s civilisation. * * * PICTURE BILLIARDS A similar' measure was adopted several years ago by a picture showman in an isolated New Zealand township. He found it necessary to divide his area of seats into two parts—one for white settlers, and one for all coloured people. No insult was intended, nor was offence taken. It was merely that the local natives became so violently excited during the showing of any “action” films that it was dangerous to sit among them. They lived every scene, fought side by side with the shadow hero, shared his mad gallops, and generally turned the immediate vicinity into g bedlam. A novel feature of the show r in question was that, at the rear of the hall, immediately behind the operating box, and not in any way screened off, was a “billiards saloon,” consisting of two tables. One could cannon neatly, and, while chalking on'e’s cue, follow the adventures of Tom Mix; then perform a difficult follow-through shot and glance up in time to enjoy the messy death of the villain. Undoubtedly, however, Mr. Clark McConachy would have said of this pastime:—“C’est magnifique, mais il n’est pas le billard.” . » • TAKING THE OATH

Declaring excitedly that she “would not swear lies on the Bible,” a female witness caused a brisk interlude in a Southern Court last week. On being asked to explain her novel announcement. she indicated, in as many words, that the use of the Book for court room purposes, in her opinion, savoured oE profanity. Court officials are obliged to put up with this sort of thing frequently as a surprisingly large number of people have little or no understanding of the term “taking the oath,” and all it signifies in the judicial system. The story is told of the übiquitous dear old lady who, on being commanded to step, into the w’itness-box: for the first time, and take the oath, murmured that she had not quite caught the latter part of the instruction. "Swear the oath,” said the Clerk of the Court in a louder voice, thrusting the Bible at her. She looked horrified. “Swear,” repeated the clerk. She drew in a deep breath, and said in a small and nervous voice, “Damn.”