Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 96, 21 August 1908, Page 4

Random Remarks.

_- o [Contributions to this column are always welcome from any part of the district. The Editor does net vouch for the authenticity of the stories, noils he responsible for the criticisms.]

"Pickled eels feet and moonshine on a shovel," may appeal to some peoploin the light of a luxury, but evidently the chairman of the Taumarunui Town Council does not appreciate sucft a light and unsatisfying diet. At the recent conference of township delegates the gentleman mentioned complained that the edibles referred to were all that could be obtained from the Govern merit unless decided steps were taken to prove the lack of nourishment contained in such a diet. The mythical articles are certainly less useful than the proverbial stone which was given when bread was asked for, as a stone can be used as a weapon by the exasperated recipient, but pickled eels feet and moonshine lack the necessary solidity. However, Mr Ward's exhortation will doubtless bear good fruit. Native townships require strengthening nourishment, and the delegate to the Conference were evidently alive to the fact.

The King Country is filling up—not as it was wont to in the good old. days, but by the gradual and more satisfactory process of population—and it is being paid a little attention to by the Government in consequence. However, in such a comprehensive electorate numerous, and at times conflicting, issues are apt to arise and the outcome is charged with dramatic conseqeunces for somebody. During the coming election campaign many matters of local importance will be aired and urged. It is a recognised political duty to promise whatever is asked, either by inference or straightly, and our member will have his hands full before election tima. The Ohura railway question will bulk largely for a time, and the merits of the rival routes will be fully discussed. Fortunately: for Mr Jennings, he cannot be expected to advocate either route, and will take refuge, no doubt, behind; the fact that the decision now practically rests with the engineer.

There are other local matters which may prove interesting. The Ongarue people are not satisfied with. Te Kuiti's ancient railway buildings and yearn for a~ cathedral and museum. Taumarunui has too many grievances to be lightly disposed of. Hangatiki when it rises to the surface, has still the willow problem to state. Otorohanga, now that the brige is under way, may not be hard to deal with, though the railway station will provide a considerable amount of controversy and possibly lead to other complications. The back country is never short of interesting material in the shape of roads, and the united voice will doubtless be heard with no uncertain sound. The question of township tenure is common to all and the all absorbing liquor problem is an old friend which the member will have no difficulty of recognising. Altogether, Mr Jennings' little list will be drawn on to the full. But he is now an old campaigner, and should understand his audience.

Those fortunate beings who experienced the pleasures of fleeting to Auckland last week, are drifting back to their ordinary avocations, their lives enriched with incident, and conscious of having contributed largely to the success of a brilliant and memorable function. It is edifying to observe the different view points from which the celebrations were regarded. The ingenious person with youthful enthusiasm afire to participate in everything, from the fleet arrival to the parting drink, was much in evidence. The old casehardened sightseer was represented, and the occasion was not complete without the honeymooning couple, who will look back on the Fleet visit as the most important historical event of their time. The remainder of the crowd was made up by plain ordinary people and politicians, the latter being conspicuous by the large and wellknown pre-election smile.

At the conference of township delegates at Otorohanga on Tuesday last, our old friends of "tweedle dee and tweedledum" were considerably _ in evidence for a time, and the adjectives in use evoked from arbitrary to equitable, well considered, fair, and beneficial. It was pleasing to note the attitude taken by all those present who were obviously actuated by the desire to have matters placed on a proper and practical business footing in the interests of all concerned. Needless to say, with such a spirit prevading the gathering there was little trouble in arriving at a conclusion. It was finally decided that all the delegates meant exactly the same thing only the form of expression was somewhat different. The greatest doubt in the minds of all was whether the Government could be induced to, in face of the Premier's decided promise, do anything. This is speaking testimony as to the manner in which political promises are regarded.

Fourteen petitions have been presented to Parliament from Maoris pray ing that the people be given the entire right to control and administer thensurplus lands as in the case of Europeans. The statement that the Standard Oil Company has a "corner" in kerosene is confirmed by wholesale merchants in Auckland, according to the NewZealand Herald. In consequence of the monopoly, although there is no duty upon the" oil, it now costs 8s 8d per case ex store, which is considerably higher than when duty had to be paid. There will be no further supply of kerosene for about six weeks, when the price to wholesale buyers will be 7s 6d per case. A shortage of the commodity is reported and this enables the Standard Oil Company to sustain high charges until the next boat arrives withmore. Buyers of kerosene, in order to obtain a bonus have it appears to sign a statement to the effect that they have not purchased from the makers cf any other brand during a certain period.