AT THE CORNER.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4757, 5 April 1884, Page 2

AT THE CORNER.

[by nemo.]

Homo sum, Tmmani nildl a me alienum puto.

Some time ago a prize of about five guineas was offered by some apparently humorous individual, for the best essay on " Pauperism, and the duly of the state thereto in the colonies) " ; the competition was confined to the Civil Service, and has resulted in the production of three essays, not one of which is deemed worthy of the prize. Putting aside the vein of humor which appears to permeate the intention of the donor in giving as a subject " Pauperism," to those who are, as a rule, supposed to be saved from that horrible disease, by being placed in Government billets, it savors somewhat of independence on the part of the Service in sending in so few papers, of intellectual incapability to produce an essay, or of satisfaction with their income to the extent that they do not care to supplement it by the premium offered. XXX There has been some grumbling over invitations to the platform erected for the reception of the Governor, and this is not surprising. There always is something of the kind over such affairs. People should consider the hurry everything was surrounded with. Those who managed things had no knowledge of His Excellency's arrangements, and had very little time to make any of their own, and where it is insinuated that distinctions were purposely made, a little calm reflection will perhaps remove such erroneous impressions. XXX In connection with the Salvation Army Earl Shaftesbury is one of his writings says :—" The movement seems to me a work of the devil, who having long tried to make Christianity odious, has changed his hand, and endeavors to make it ridiculous. Even when assuming for argument's sake that there is a species of good prodnced, it is a sacrifice of all ' reverence ' for religious things. Worship has become grotesque and gymnastic.'' X X X An inquisitive friend has asked how the funds arising from the sale of the hymn books, badges, War Cry, and the collec* tions made at every meeting of the Salvation Army are disposed of? I can only give the worn out " I don't know," but doubtless if the inquirer applied at the local camp he would obtain the desired information. XXX It has been reported that efforts have been made by some designing persons to remove a local employe* of the Board of Education. The body in question has already been exposed for following " ways that are dark, and tricks that are rain," and their latest vagary was in fishing for a complaint against the employe in question, and writing circulars to the School Com*

mittees, with which this official is connected, with a view to making them inquisitorial bodies. The Committees, however, as a whole, seem to be of opinion that so long as the officer sought to be complained of does his duty, they*haTe nothing to complain of. X X X The reception committee appointed to arrange the programme, &c, on the recent visit of the Governor, appears to have overlooked some of the Government officials, who are somewhat indignant. XXX His Excellency the Governor was much i pleased with the hearty reception accorded to him at Paeroa, by both Europeans and natives. I hear the arrangements were very perfect; the committee ( seem to have known how to do it. XXX A valuable greenstone mere, presented by the chieftainess Emma Te Aouru, to the Governor at Paeroa, will be conveyed ] to His Excellency by Mr Eenrick. The "Patu" is an ancient relic of olden times, and was handed down from the ancestors of Emma te Aouru, who calls the Mnpen " Te Maharanui." X X X Willow trees are very pretty ornaments to our streets, but when they begin to take liberties with the water-tables it is time to " root" them out. The fluming in Cochrane street was cleaned out about eight weeks ago, and the Borough Foreman has had again to clear the fibrous roots away to allow free course to the water from the Queen of Beauty pump. That tree now wears a ring. XXX What an air of depression seems to pervade the musical atmosphere. I don't mean that our choirs and Society are not up to pitch when they do congregate, but the attendance is so poor, and members appear to be so indifferent as to the existence of a Church choir or Choral Society. If there be no enthusiasm, there should at least be a recognition of duty as regards the Church choirs. I should like to see a little more rigidity in the rales governing the choirs. XXX How was it that at the grand fire and water work display on Thursday night the whole affair was managed by the Grahamstown brigade P Surely, on the occasion of a public reception like that on the day mentioned, both brigades should have taken part, and I have no doubt the Shortland men would have been willing to take their share of the trouble. The spirit of rivalry between the two brigades is known to be very strong, and it appears that on this occasion there was jealousy also on the part of the Grahamstown men. lam informed that in inviting the Shortlanders to take part it was men tioned that if the Grahamstown men were not strong enough, some of the other Brigade would be welcome to assist. This, naturally enough, put the corps "on their dignity," and they determined to have nothing to do with the affair.

I hear that there were whispers of political changes on board the Despatch, going up the river with the Governor and party yesterday. When His Excellency sent for the well known agent of the steamer, it eventually transpired, however, that no new Ministry was to be formed, Sir William only sending for the gentleman with a view to gaining information re the vessel they were travelling in, which highly pleased His Excellency.