Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 87, 19 June 1908, Page 4

Random Remarks.

[Contributions to this column arc always welcome from any part of the district. The editor does not vouch for the authenticity of the stories, nor is he responsible for the criticisms.]

The little list of newly appointed Jay Pays published last week swells the total of the great unpaid to an alarming degree, and one begins to speculate upon the possibilities attaching to a continuance of a policy of adding to the list indiscriminately. For instance, supposing the J's.P. of the Dominion banded together and formed a union. The immensity of the prospect is appalling, as, according to precedent, a strike would surely follow. The administration of justice would cease, and the country be given over to anxiety; the casual drunk would stagger unreproved, and crime stalk brazenly through the land unless ! -A straw of hope is clutched and the fond thought is cherished till it becomes conviction. Yes ! I know of one King Country J.P. who would rise superior in the hour of trial. His loftv soul would soar above the sordid, s'elfish motives of ordinary humanity to point the path of duty and of true patriotism. After all the possibilities are not so awful, and my readers can rest content that their welfare is safe-guarded by an influence which makes even the hardened criminal tremble.

Considering the recent weather experienced locally, it is hard to account for the consuming thirst which apparently possesses Te Kuitians. " Liquor, or no liquor " is a burning question, and on the subject discussions have ensued which have sundered the friendships of years, and embittered the lives of many estimable citizens. The impartial and ooen-minded person desirous of living at peace with his neighbours, and thinking only good things of his fellow man, finds it difficult to steer a non-committal course. " He, who is not for us, is against us" is the battle-cry; the red flag of rebellion has been raised, and chaos reigns in a community which has long been noted for peace and serenity, and good works. A friend of the writer once remarked: "When I listen to the arguments of the prohibitionists I am immediately convinced of the justice of liquor party's contentions ; when I hear aff advocate of "the trade " orate I am almost converted to prohibition." Needless to remark nw friend is a fastidious person.

Throwing flowers at each other is a pretty and graceful pastime, which, despite its many fascinations, should be severely discouraged immediately one begins to take it seriously. However, the flower-throwing process "is hardly likely to intrude itself into the King Country. The cultivation of suitable blooms for the game has not been fostered in the district. It is a bounty-fed industry which thrives best in ministerial electorates. There were a few bouquets thrown at the Premier on Wednesday. Some were choice; some were of the thorny variety, but all were more or less bespattered with mud. It is safe to predict the next Premieral nightmare ivili !;-• v.'iLh lluclwj'jlv :aid Cui'iiCoily uv-sir.d commodities of the King Country mud and metal.

It is. fashionable in these decadent days to refer to man as<a complex creature, and we delude ourselves into believing nice things about our friends, when we are inferential!}- included. Also, the strenuous life prevades the atmosphere and it is customary to bow the head and bend the knee before feverish effort and insatiable energy. Still, despite man's ■ boasted complexity, there is an underlying general motive in human action which bespeaks a common origin and a common destiny. Sir Joseph Ward is an exceptionally hard-worked Premier, and with a strenuous parliamentary session looming large on his horizon, it behoves him to get into proper physical condition to_ enable him to sustain the severe strain. At first he meant to go to the Oluira and study the simple life, and complete the visit by a walking tour over the proposed railway deviation to Waitomo Caves. That programme, however, was considered too so successive journeys from Te Kuiti to Wairere, and Te Awamutu toKawhia were proposed. When Sir Joseph returns to the domestic circle tomorrow, there should be the ruddy bloom of health upon his cheek, and a spring in his step due to healthful King Country air and exercise.