Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 95, 14 August 1908, Page 3

Random Remarks.

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

The news that Te Kuiti was nit to be a stopping place for the Welling-ton-A u civ la r.d express ;train was not received with much display of indignation. In fact it is seriously doubted if the town holds enough energy to exhibit the slightest interest in matters affecting its welfare. Towns may come and towns may go, as is thecustom on the Main Trunk line, but Te Kuiti stands pre-eminent as the town with the tiredest feeling of any in the Dominion. Words can hardly serve to express the sympathy I feel for those who possess such a town. It is well-known the inhabitants are enterprising and go-ahead in every respect, but apparently they are in serious danger of being permanently handicapped by their town. In olden days the town would have been left to take care of itself, or have been shipped in sections down the Mangaokewa, but present day conditions have cramped things somewhat. Tired Te Kuiti is a euphonious sobriquet which harmonises well with past events, but it must be galling to every responsible inhabitant. The town, it is said, was offered a liquor license the other day and was too inert to stretch forth a hand to grasp the opportunity. This statement may be doubted by some, but circumstantial evidence is against the town.

The conference of Native township delegates to be held at Te Kuiti next Tuesday, should be epoch making for the King Country, providing the proper steps are taken to give weight to the deliberations of the assembly, Taumarunui has a story to unfold which outrivals even that of the Waitomo County Council and history should be enriched with a record of the tribulations of the first Native Township Council. The Government attitude with regard to the townships is highly humourous and the Premier gave utterance to a truly remarkable opinion wehn he said "you were not expected to grow so big." An infant was conceived by the Cabinet and no provision was made for it growing beyond the stage of swaddling clothes. Such a slip might possibly be pardoned if the responsible parent accepted its obvious duties, and proceeded to spoon feed, the helpless one, but, with a carelessness bordering en the criminal, the callous parent wouldn't even heed its infant crres. Perchance it intended to ear it on the bottle and trusted to kind hearted neighbours like Te Awamutu, supplying the necessary nourishment. But lam digressing and waxing frivolous over a serious subject. The Native townships are out to air their grievances and they are doing it none to soon. May success attend their efforts.

Judging by the rush to Auckland on the approach of the American Fleet one would almost imagine that Uncle Sam was invading the country with hostile intent, and patriotic New Zealanders were flocking to repel the force. Town and country co-operated in a truly remarkable manner and the "Amurkan" accent will probably be heard throughout the length and breadth of the land henceforth. In future those American citizens who travel to "God's own Country" to acquire a political education will hardly realise that the land of Stars and Stripes has been left behind. The same homely epithets and crisp phrases which distinguish the vocabulary of the true "Amurkan" will greet them in New Zealand. Even the cookery will remind them of home, though if they visit the King Country the flavour of the alluring "cocktail" will be denied them.

Willow the King is rearing its lordly head in the King Country and there are rumours of cricket clubs being formed in the various districts. For the informaton of our Hangitiki friends it may be remarked that this will probably have little or no effect on the river willows. Quite a number of enthusiasts in the king of games are to be met with and seeing that a day or two of sunshine is quite sufficient to make a cricketer yearn for the chain of green sward and the willow lath, it is not surprising that the recent weather has awakened the desire somewhat early. An Englishman's first duty in a new country is to build a church and lay down a cricket pitch, therefore it is truly fitting that the pitch laying should be seriously considered at present. 'Tis true some districts are not yet endowed with churches, but it may reasonably be contended that if the people have failed in one duty, there is all the more reason why they should attend to the other whole-heartedly Moreover, the accomplishment of the one may lead to the desire for the other and the church is distinctly in favour of athletic pursuits. This chain of reasoning may not to the church but all good crifeketers will find it satisfactory.