Annotations of Annabel

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 35, 15 March 1929, Page 13

Annotations of Annabel

EAREST: Competition being rife in the drapery. trade, right royal courtesy is extended to us when making our purchases even though they be insignificant enough to render one nervously aware of their negligibility as one surveys sizes and splendour of rival establishments. Time was when one or another assistant proved irritatingly patronising and scornful. Not now, however; competition being a useful social and business emollient, and nducive to that civility which is a food apd pleasant thing, in and out 6f shops and on both sides of the counter. Liberty and equality are all very well in their way; but equally laudable is the eult of the virtue of which it was written long ago: "Know, dear brother, that Courtesy js an attribute of God Himself, who, of His courtesy, sendeth his rain alike upon the just and unjust." HESE particular words of the wise and gentle Malory should be committed to memory by the youth of this country. At the Trooping of the Colours in the Basin Reserve, a row of urchins sat on a long rail and swung sunburnt legs, when an intent crowd stood to attention while the National Anthem was played. Pos- sibly they meant no harm and knew no better, those rollicking youngsters Yof our land; but they should be taught to get down from their perch, however high they climb, and stand on strong brown legs when "Gentlemen, the King!’ is the toast to be honoured. HIS presentation of Colours to the Wellington Regiment made gallant spectacle on an afternoon that was very fresh and fair, with a coquettish breeze flirting and fluttering brave banners, the old and the new. To beat of drum and stirring band music, the battalion went through its mystic manoeuvres; and watching, dull pulses quickened and tired spirit revived, while memories flashed of other days when our men, very young and debonair, marched away to distant bourne, from which was no return; proving their ttle to our eternal pride, and showing that "self-control in the hour of success, patience in the time of adversity," for which the Bishop prayed in the beautiful words of the consecration service. 47ROM London comes news that "Journeys End" puts upon the stage, without hysteria or exaggeration, the plain story of life in the trenches during the war; the mud and monotony, and unquenchable wit and endurance of the rank and file, its incomparable courage and _ kindness. The realism and sober indictment of the wastage, banality and horror of a ‘long campaign, render Mr. Sherriff’s \play a very moving force, which it is believed will carry more conviction to the mind of the masses than all the peace societies that were, and are, and are to come,

PANG smote our hearts when news came that a gallant friend and servant of man had gone to his Valhalla. Chinook, the brave husky, need "fear no more the heat o’ the sun, nor the furious winter rages’; no more make valiant endeavour to speed the way of adored master on those stretching frozen wastes where a thousand times he vindicated his intelligence and willingness to "carry his weight." One imagines last wistful look at beloved face, a lagging behind his bold band of pilgrims; then the quiet drifting away across the iceland. Loyalty and courage, obedience and devotion; these are great qualities and worthy of human emulation. Bones bleaching under an Arctic sky; and perchance, who knows, his spirit cavorting in the happy hunting-grounds. FTER reading Mary Webb’s novels, now belatedly receiving that recognition from reading public and literary elect which was denied in her lifetime to this sensitive artist, it is interesting to come across a book of her verses, until recently unknown to most of us. These poems reveal a delicate loveliness of thought and phrase, being mostly concerned with beauty of this fair earth and the musings of a natural religeuse; but now and again there steals in the music of humanity, and we have a poignant note of regret. Not for the dear things said do I weep now; Not for your deeds of quiet love and duty, Does my heart freeze and starve since jou endow Cold death with beauty. Just for the look of utter comprehension ; _ The dear gay laugh that only true hearts know; For those I would from Life's severe detention Arise and go. Your

ANNABEL

LEE