THE PREVALENCE OF SLANG.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10703, 26 August 1912, Page 6

THE PREVALENCE OF SLANG.

(To tho Editor Wnirarapa Age.)

f^i r originally tho - language of criminals, is unfortunately no longer confined to them, l>uL is hoard on all sides, on all occasions, and very often where iea:-t expected. This is the more to he regretted considering the expressive nature of our mother tongue. "To possess a national licri- i tnge and not to use it is as inexcusahTe as to barter one's birthright for a mess of pottage," says Spencer. Yet in spite, ef educational reform and j commissions of different kinds seldom does the matter come upfor discussion or comment of any kind. In days gone hv hoys used to indulge in'it pretty freely, but as a rule gave it ui) when thev left the play-ground and "came to years of discretion. Such is no longer the ease, for a judge in New South Wales some time ago on being tokl bv counsel that a witness had "cleared out" instantly stoppod him ami told him that by using such an expression instead of absconded he ua-,'degrading the English hm<ninge. Many others in authority might wi'll nut in a word of protest for" as often" as not the use of slang proceeds more from affectation than anything eise. Women, as a rule, don't of'tV:;-.! in this respect., but set us an example by calling things by their proper names, and it is well for the world that su:'h is the <asc._ They have an. immense influence with the sterner lex ami in a gentle way could do a good deal to check the rather meaniu~g!e-'s habit. -We overlook and forgive Henry Lawson, who delineates character mi'faithfully and makes his heroes ii.se «!ang so humorously. Steelman threatens to -"stoush" Mitchell if he does not "bite the lug" of some one for a drink. Mitchell again considers there are only two classes in the world—"spielers arc! mugs.". This, however, is the language of swagmen, and sundowner-, with whom the ""author was for years associated,

I and does not apply to the community lin general. Surely wo have a right to condemn words and expressions that do not-make the meaning clearer than ordinary language. It is generally the essence of vulgarity to say the'least of it, and consequently opposed to anything in the way of refinement. 'I he modern young man does not keep company with a young woman as his lather did. but lm has got- a" "tart" whom he sometimes j takes to a "hop," a "toalight" or perhaps to the "gaff" when he makes ! his presence felt by cries of "up with the rag." After a time he gets "spliced" and very likely becomes the "dad" of several "kids." When not

at "graft" ho is betting "quids," "hohr:"' or "limners" with his "cobbers" or "yapping" over the fence to the "Moke" next door, and you in list lie careful how you sneak tc him if you don't want your "dial" damaged. Ho is never ill nowadays, but "off colour a bit" nor doe;; ho gi\'c i'li a job but ''chucks" it. At last instead, of dying he "peg:; out" or "kicks the bucket." No, -doubt this is done for effect and to show lie is "up-to-date." Ridicule is a powerful weapon in the way of corroding habits of the kind. Headers of Don Quixote, know that Cervantes killed knight-errantry or tho rescue of damsels, in 'distress. It was very prevalent in his time, but he. so to speak, completely"!;!ughed it out of existence, i'iokciis likewise wrote to correct abuses, .showing -Bumble and others

in their true colours, and depriving thorn of ihoir power and glory. Lot ns hope sonic author will arise and do for slang what ho did for Bumbledom. Society at largo would he under an obligation to the same for .services rendered. Until then, let us call things by their proper names, even if we should he looked upon hy some as "hack numbers. —I am, etc., STRANGER. Masterton, August 2oth, 19)2. A QUESTION ()[< PIUXCTPLE. (To the Editor ,Wairarana Age.) Sir, —I note that you question the soundness of the principles upon which tho Hon George Fowlds bases bin land reform proposals. Starting from the basic principle that the product belongs to the producer. Mr Fowlds holds, (1) that whatever improvements any individual produces on or in tho land and whatever wealth any individual produces from the land rightly belong to him, and should he enjoyed, by him rate and tax free, and free also from toll or tribute of any kind to any other individual: and (2) that whatever value attaches to land by reason oi : the presence and progress of the general public and by reason or their collective expendi-. turo on public works and public services, rightly belongs to the public as a- whole. Ant! his proposals simply amount to this, that, as rapidly as we can do so without causing unnecessary hardship and without causing any industrial deadlock, we should step hy sto;i abolish, all tho robber rates and taxes that now, tako private earnings for public nurposes until

finally we tako public earnings, and public earningsi only, for public purposes. What point in this can you , put your finger on and say definitely j "That is wrong?" Am 1 to understand that you dispute tho soundness of the basic principle, that the product belongs to the producer? If so, as ono who lias loiu>; advocated that principle, I shall bo glad to know tho grounds on which, you dispute it. Or am 1 to understand that there is, in your opinion, no value whatever that attaches to land bv tho presence, growth, and collective expenditure of tho genera! public and that can bo rightfully claimed as tho public earnings v.nd the just and proper source of public revenue? And, if that is your view of the matter, bv whom, in your opinion, i.i that value produced, which, attaches to land apart allogetlier from tho labour and expenditure of the individual owner or occupier, and to whom does that value justly belong?—J am, etc.. AIITHEP. WITHY. C'oldie's Ban. Wellington, August 21st. 15)12.