AT THE CORNER.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4685, 12 January 1884, Page 2

AT THE CORNER.

Sonio sum, Tiumani nihil a me alienum picto.

It was cruel of those sons of the sea to "joke" a reporter all the way down the wharf to get the particulars about the less of the boy or " buoy " off the ketch. It must have been saddenning to see him retrace his steps with downcast eyes and drooping spirits after being told that the captain bad thrown "the darned thing overboard, as it was no good." A number of small sharks are being constantly caught by fishermen and boys in the harbor. It would seem somewhat unsafe for bathers to be too reckless in indulging in " dips " out in the open. I am told that several youths are aware of this, and consequently indulge in "a briny revel on the beach, near several residences. Of course it is as well that they should keep out of the way of sharks, but they should remember that promenaders of the gentler sex have to keep out of their way while they disport Ihemselves sans covering. X X X I'am sorry to find that an ugly rumor has got abroad re the Te Aroha strike of the miners. A party from " The Mountain of G-old "lately down says that a telegram had been received there from " the powers, &c," that unless the miners returned to work at the reduced offer, to stop work and close the battery for twelve months. I can hardly believe that such a suicidal policy would be attempted by any sane man, as there are other parties who are "just as powerful" interested in the continuous working of the now known paying claims. I refer to the Warden, Mining Inspector, et hoc genus omne.

Eeferring to the miners'strike at Waiorongomai, a friend of mine told me to-day that a boniface on the field had generously come to the front with an offer of one month's "grub" free gratis for nothing, "on trust" for better times. The hardy miner won't forget that—especially if pints are included. Such Lawless conduct on his part will be resented by the directors, put the Scqtty managers in a White, heat,; and even agitate thealmost imperturbable spirit of the worthy Mac Donnell. X X X The dirty linen washing which has been indulged in lately by Borough officials is becoming somewhat nauseous. The disgrace to the Council so freely mentioned appears to be one of those things which are becoming rather barnacle like in connection with that body. Who is the Hercules prepared to cleanse the Augean stable P It would seem better for. the sake of our good name that these things be settled quietly or altogether left alone,;

Surely some of the clergymen on the Thames will take up the gauntlet thrown down by " Unbeliever" in the Stab of the 9th instant. Meantime, and while they are sharpening their arrows, I would advise " Unbeliever " to read the writings of the prophet Isaiah, and study them in the light of history since the prophet's time.

XXX This place seems to be a hot-bed for slanderers. Another attempt has been made to injure the reputation of an innocent young girl—the second in the same family whom the cowardly slanderer has attacked—but this time he has overrun himself. It is scarcely likely that such an improbable story would be believed. The parents of the young lady will, I trust, be successful' in unearthing the scoundrel, and giving him his deserts. Meantime, 'twere well for people to abstain from repeating defamatory stories, which only render them liable to an action for damages. The circulator as well as the originator of a scandal is legally answerable. Verb, sap. sat.

Truly the people of the Thames cannot be accused of being at all in advance of the times. After about 15 years of goldfields' life, they have not got beyond the simple stampers and berdan process of treating the rich quartz reefs of the dis^ trict, and they leave the tailings to fall to the lot of the more enterprising people who make a " good thing " out of them by means of the improved machinery they have the pluck to introduce. Surely, if it would pay private individuals, and I think there is no doubt that it does, it would also be worth the while of the companies owning mills to add. to their plants some of the appliances so successfully in use on American and Australian fields, thus extractiog all the gold possible, and disbursing in dividends, or using to defray the expenses of the mine, the profits now going into the pockets of private tailings works proprietors.

I hear that one of the genus; Apis slipped into an editorial sanctum this morning, evidently attracted by Firth's Bee Journal, which, 'twas said, was lyiue open on the table.. The 'editor winced somewhat at the presence of his beeship, and used honeyed phrases, not altogether suitable for these celumns, to speed his parting, but he hovered arouud the paste pot, and cast most insulting glances at tho scissors; be then skipped into the composing room, and, lit on the hand of one of the devils, but the latter simply said, "Ha! ha!" (he washes his hands only on Saturday nights). The Aculeatan, when seen last, was wending his way towards the Corner, looking for the newlyfound lawyer, who so skilfully conducted hi 9 case yesterday against Thames legal talent, combined With directly contradic tory testimony. Though not a Gralliean, he is reported to have distinctly said Bung swore. I think I can say bon soir after that. Nemo.