Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 94, 7 August 1908, Page 3

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.] Loans are again in the air—a light and airy position to which KingCountry loans seem violently attached. The Mairoa, Mangaoririo, and Te Kuiti loans have been so long in the atmosphere that somebody should beheld accountable for exposing them during the frosts of winter. A cold is a serious disease at all times, and is absolutely fatal to a loan as it invariably settles on the chest" However, undaunted by the experience of loans in general, the Waitomo people are projecting a scheme of their own. Incidentally, the roads are connected with 'the project, and by the time the loan is rescued from its lofty position, the highways of the riding should be read}* for all the loans which can be induced to forsake the atmosphere for " terra firma." In connection with the initiation of the project it was illuminating to observe the caution of the riding representative. Special reference was made to the near approach of the publication of the Estimates, and he wisely stipulated that nothing should be done until the Government's intentions with regard to the roads in question had been disclosed. Such characteristics are commonly associated with Irishmen North of the Tweed, and the writer always harboured - the opinion that the Councillor for Waitomo was a colonial.

Ohura is to have a County all to itself in the near future, and one of the chief inducements to such a desparate plunge was, apparently, the alluring prospect of chasing the gay and festive loan. Presumably, the inhabitants of the garden valley of the Rohe Potae will have learned from the experience of others, and instead of appointing an Engineer, will import a capable aerial navigator, who will hunt the elusive loan in its native element and bring it to earth on demand. There are many other departures from the beaten track which can be recommended, but feelings of delicacy forbid the offering of gratuitons advice from a modest scribe. Moreover, thefe is a haunting suspicion that the inhabitants of the said valley have a very definite idea of their own requirements, combined with ample enterprise and ability to go the right way about satisfying the local needs. Still, in the matter of loans, there is nothing like being up-to-date, and in adopting the " latest," even in loan hunting, there is always the knowledge that you are pointing the way, and indulging in the fascinating pursuit of making history.

Youth is youth the world over, and the happy period of life is usually marked by exuberance of spirits, and the doing of things for the sake of doing. Also, the youthful ones have the sympathy and interest of their elders to a much -greater degree than they ever realise. ' Still there is a limit, and on the occasion of the deciding football match at Te Kuiti, the limit was apparently exceeded. Much can be said to the credit, and little to the detriment of our local youth of both races, but on an occasion like the one referred to, there is reason to believe that consideration for others, to say nothing of discretion, was thrown to the winds, and youth revelled to excess. Excuses can be offered and allowances made,' "as is always the case, and we have every confidence that our youth will acknowtheir folly and profit thereby. Te Kuiti has a vigilant officer in Constable Mathew, and his action in the case referred to will be commended by a large section of the community. This sentiment will not be heartily endorsed by youth, which is apt to forget that the world was not created for youth alone. However, as the Bench remarked, or if it didn't, possibly it meant to, " Somebody was naughty, if you were not, so don't do it again."

The township question in the King Country is apparently interesting everybody except those most affected by any proposed legislation. Possibly the apparently apathetic attitude of those chiefly interested, is due to a sense of humour for which King Country residents are noted. The present state of affairs is a lasting monument to the inaptitude of_ those responsible for the muddle; if left alone to work their own sweet will again, the result should eclipse anything previously heard of, except, perhaps, a Gilbert and Sullivan burlesque.

Taumarunui is an important and flourishing centre, and is renowned no less for its prosperity than for the progressiveness and ability of its residents. It is also making strides on the road to fame as the first KingCountry centre to institute a Town. Council under " The Native Townships Act." Unfortunately the path of the first born of Native Town Councils is not strewn with the proverbial rose. On the contrary, it has not yet discovered a path, though even a tortuous and rock-strewn track would be welcome in the interests of progress. The position of the local body offers much food for reflection, and but small inducement for the creation of similar bodies in other centres. Blocked in every direction by the apathetic ignorance of the authorities, and unable to obtain any advice as to proceedure, in matters pertaining to the administration of their office, the councillors are at their wits' end. Even the lawyers are u able to give an interpretation of the Act with which the Council is constituted. From which it may be surmised the muddle is a beautiful one. However, the residents have got tired of that sort of fame and are yearninghard for more practical and payable renown. They are joining with other King Country towns of less importance, but with just as big a yearning to proclaim their grievances to the world and set forth a remedy.