TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2334, 25 June 1887, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

Jubilee Day. was .very quiet here, most of the people having gone to spend the holiday elsewhere. All the places of business were of course closed, and the streets of this busy city were dismal and deserted. In our own quiet way, however, we exhibited our loyalty to Her Majesty. Mr Forbes had the " red, white and blue " flying. Mr Lewis' balcony was illuminated very prettily with coloured lanterns in the evening. Mr Lewis, by the way, is the only man here who appears to be overflowing with loyalty, for he] had similar illuminations on Her Majesty's birthday, and if our little flags and illuminations were not so elaborate and effective as those displayed in the city of Auckland, they at any rate expressed as sincere loyalty to the Queen and her mighty empire as the more magnificent displays. Loyalty in the abstract is a matter of degree, some close their shops as much (perhaps more) for the sake of a holiday for themselves as from a feeling of loyalty to the Crown ; with them it is a passive principle, whil« others, not content with closing, express their feelings more emphatically by a display of some kind. Of the two I certainly prefer the latter, probably because I, am not the least in love with republicanism. I see little to admire in the administration of the republics of the world, the only successful one.being the Swiss, and that is because they have nothing worth quarrelling over, unless aristocrat wants to grab a few acres more of glacier or snow field. But there, I must stop, for I am wandering off into a, discussion on the merits, or rather the demerits, of that particular form of misgoverninent known as republicanism. To return to my subject, Mr Deally, like a loyal Scotchman, had S. Andrew's cross flying in honour of the day, while S. George's cross graced Mr S. Short's .flagstaff. In the latter case, howaver, I think Her Majesty will have to put up with having honours divided between herself and a fine Jubilee boy, who had just arrived to gladden the hearts of the house, and enliven them with his midnight music. It is quite evident that his father has not got over his loyalty fit or the joy of being again a parent (first boy), for the flag is still flying. I hope the father and son will live to celebrate the latter's jubilee birthday, and then have a good store of vigour left in both, —(Own Correspondent).