AT THE CORNER.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5238, 31 October 1885, Page 2

AT THE CORNER.

[by nemo.] Homo mm, humani nihil a me alienum pnto.

The " Escaped Nun," as she calls her* self, has come and gone, leaving in the minds of some, doubtless, pleasing reminiscences of her visit. I have a sort of idea that shows of this kind should not be encouraged, and I may mention a few reasons why:—ln the first place, th6y increase any bitterness of feeling that may be individually held by members of any one sect in regard to another; they are offensive to a large section of the community; they do no good of any kind, sort, or description; sensationalism is introduced, and an attempt made to drag the religion of a large number of people in the mire for money-making purposes; where unity should prevail dissension is fostered, and a dozen other reasons. The thought sug» gested too by holding meetings "for ladies only" is far from a modest or delicate one, and reminds me of a case which occurred in Wellington some few years ago. There was a delightful theatrical company called the Loftus troupe showing through the colony, and their double cntendres and vulgarities disgusted many people, and called forth the denunciations of the Press. One evening they advertised " Fob gentlemen only," and the house was packed; all th« old bachelors, papas (bald and grey), and the young sparks rushed to see this entertainment; in fact, this style of curiosity— a rousing advertisement—?pays. I hope to see no more of it. What is not fit for a man's ears is certainly not good for his wife to hear.

By the way ifc occasionally occurs that these itinerant show people who adopt the religious line go in for the "Are you saved?" "Haje you found Saltation?" style of questions. I am not going to swear to the authenticity of the story, but it was giren to me in alt apparent good faith. A discussion was taking place on the subject of "the escaped nun," and one who differed with his opponent in the matter, and belonged to the faith which was reriled, was spoken to thus:—" Well, I hope you bare receiwd all tile adrratagei of you?

ehnrob." The witty reply was, "I have escaped none."

It seams it is the fashion in Auckland among the swell? at present to shave off their whiskers, and a young lady to keep np with the maids of fashion, has eat off the whiskers of her cat. The absence of hirsute appendages does not I presume improve the personal appearance of either man or beast, but as emulation is the smcerest form of flattery the man should feel complimented.

* X X Several Thamesites will feel sorry indeed, after a fashion, to read of the financial difficulties of Mr John Taster in Auckland. For a long time this worthy man lived here, but it appears that he, tired of the solitude of the place, sought fresh fields wherein to gambol. He stated upon examination that he had received 15s per day for ten months in connection with one piece of work, and his sons controlled that for household purposes; he also said he was in the unfortunate position of not averaging ten shillings a day since he arrived in Auckland. This ii really dreadful, and many sympathisers with Mr Taaker's fate will probably be found, but I must confess to a feeling that a flagrant abuse ef the intention of bank* auptcy law framers carried out by the present act, has been perpetrated.

It was amusing to witness the elect of a small joke at the Church of England concert last week. During the ventriloquial portion of the entertainment the performer, through the dummy on the stage, remarked something to the effect that he wished some fellow in the gallery would take bis arm from a girl's waist. and the result was almost electrical. Then were several wide breaches between more than one pair of youths and maidens, and many attempts to look perfectly uncon« cerned proved simply futile.