AT THE CORNER.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4952, 22 November 1884, Page 2

AT THE CORNER.

[by nemo.]

Homo mm, humani nihil a me alienum puto,

One of the events of the week was the Flower Sbow on Wednesday last, and I must concur with the generally expressed opinion that it was one of the most successful shows held in the district. There are many matters connected with it, however, which have aroused the ire of exhibitors, and grumblings loud and deep have resulted. In the first placa I have heard of prizes being taken by persons who grow nothing, in fact, know not a garden. I have had related to me instances of expeditions taken in search of materials for exhibits, and even had it placed before me that one ambitious exhibitor cast covetous eyes on certain flowers in a neighbors plantation, and in asking for them said, " I want to put in for so*and».so, but I have only twenty four varieties to select from in my garden." That wasn't bad, but " Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in Eschelon." I have been credibly informed that not only was one exhibit in the vegetablo department bought in Auckland, but that Chinese labor was represented in an exhibit sent in by a European lady, i c., that lady carefully selected her exhibit from vegetables purchased from the child like and bland John. Even allowing for the counterfeit age we live' in—this era of frauds —I think it would be a wise provision, made by the Ladies' Benevolent Committee, to stipulate that all entries made should be the hona fide production, in the way of growth, of the exhibitors. It is decidedly unfair tbat anyone taking the trouble and going to the expense of keeping a garden —from which, of course, it is to be allowed they derive considerable pleasure —should be deprived of any attendant joys in the way of the public recognition of the excellence of their produce, by people given to collecting materials for exhibits from good natured friends.

While on the subject of this Flower Show business, I may point out the object of its being held. Benevolence is its foundation in the first place, and the funds returned from these annual shows are, of course, very useful to the members in carrying out the very humane work undertaken, and I regret to say that there are people in our community who are intent on " bagging '' all the good things going, and they religiously " enter " for everything in the programme, carry off the results, and never contribute even a shilling more than is absolutely necessary to secure them. Another reason perhaps for these Shows existing is encouraging the growth of flowers, fruit, and vegetables; therefore it seems only rational that competition should be confined to those who grow their exhibits, except, perhaps, in the case of making up bouquets, collecting ferns, wild flowers, and in similar cases. I hope the committee will make some arrangement next year in the direction I refer to. The action taken in the Council in connection with the Parawai Ward merging into another, seems to be somewhat arbitrary and precipitate. The Act is perhaps correctly interpreted by Mr Miller, and he says before the members can be put out of the Council, a resolution is required, which will annex the Parawai Ward to some otber. My worthy friend, the solicitor for the Borough, seems hurt at the Mayor's remark that he had obtained a better opinion on the subject than Mr Miller's. I lam sure, though, that no offence was intended. The Mayor merely wished to prevent use less discussion, by stating that the superior legal acumen of the traditional first lawyer of the land had already decided the matter. XXX A correspondent sent me an effusion. He endeavored to apologise for its contents by the following fearful atrocity : IVTy tooth it aches, and no mistakes ; So e-sy with your criticism, friend. As quickly as can be, I'm off to Denby. There let it end. I rather think I'll let him down gently by no criticism on his versification.

The action of our M.H.R. in causing the removal of that municipal incubus— the Parawai Ward—has apparently met with general commendation. It was at first thought that the credit was due to Mr Levestam, M.H.B. for Nelson, but I am glad to be able to record the fact that the clause was introduced by our own " sweet William." XXX Many a Cup I've seen, and many a consequent adventure far beyond the " flood and field " have I experienced, but really I think some restraint should be put on Melbourne people during their November carnival week. The thing is becoming too-too monstrous. The colonies—more particularly those adjacentare being turnpd inside out over the Cup. The genial " iEgles," in the Australasian, thus conveys only a faint notion of the agitation arising from the event in the following lines :—" How mad Melbourne people get over their Cup may be inferred from the fact that the leading drapers and dressmakers of that city applied to the Chief Secretary for a temporary suspension of the clauses of the Factories Act rendering it unlawful to employ females in their establishments for longer than eight hours per day. An extension of two and a-half a day was granted for a month, so that the fashionables might have their costumes in time for the event." The dreadful extravagances indulged in during the carnival week would almost make even a Kothschild wince, and yet in this same city and its suburbs there are hundreds of starving mortals.