Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 11 September 1908, Page 4

Random Remarks.

-—»- - -' [Contributions to this column are 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.] Life is crowded with regrets--and other sensations, but the regrets seem to count most, as we have barely time to recover from one, than another attacks us where we least expected it. Still, with regrets, as with other sensations, there is variety. Some are the mere passing emotions experienced by all in everyday life; others there are that move one to the very soul and score ineradicable marks upon our lives. It is with a sense of the deepest sorrow that I have to acknowledge having misjudged a fellow mortal. The grief is all the more poignant from the fact that the fellow mortal referred to is in the hands of his medical adviser, and unable to raise a pen in his own defence. In this column last week appeared a contribution referring to Henare Kaihau's presence in lotus land instead of Wellington. Further reference to the matter was made last week in Parliament, and the Premier stated he was in possession of a medical certificate which stated that the absent member was unfit for duty. Hence these tears.

In these decadent days "sending a man to Wellington" is as common a term as sending one to Coventry was in our, school days. But alas the similarity ends "right here", as the smart Amurkans say. The centralisation of departments in the capital city, and the exercise of political influence with regard to local matters, are responsible i,n a great measure for the habit, which is growing at an alarming rate. With the completion of the Main Trunk line, and the cheapening of railway fares, we may in future have the experience of seeing the majority of. a member's constituents attending Parliament, and lending their moral support to applications of various kinds. The "assured finance "so glibly spoken of in connection with local bodies, and so consistently avoided by politicians, would do much to minimise the nuisance, but at present there seems small chance of such a commonsense step being taken. Meanwhile there is talk of overworked Ministers, and the suggestion that the number of Ministers should be increased and still the position becomes worse. The foregoing is not intended as an argument against King Country townships sending a deputation to Wellington. There are exceptions to every rule, and large issues can only be dealt with in a large way. The township question is a bigger one than even the Native Minister realises.

It may not be considered the correct thing to retail stories with a liquor flavour in a prohibited district. To the thirsty section of the community it seems like "rubbing it in" and that is always a process avoided by conscientious and tender hearted scribes. However, the following is too good to miss, and exemplifies the danger of introducing liquor among the Maoris A Waikato township boasting of two hotels, was one day recently visited by a bland and ingenuous Native from Otorohanga. During the day the visitor wandered into the bar of hotel number one, and demanded a pint of beer. The liquid was supplied and drunk, and the Maori tendered fourpence in payment. "This is not enough," quoth the publican, "you are twopence short." "No fear," replied the Maori, "you twopence short." The humour of the situation dawned on the publican, who immediately returned the fourpence, and requested the Native to play the same joke on his brother publican up the street. The Maori smacked his lips and thought longingly of the foaming pewter, but objected to the suggestion. "Can't do it boss; him my fliend." The tempter urged, and finally offered half a crown to the unwilling one. Then the truth came out "No good boss; him my fliend. He give me five bob to come and do it to you." Tableau,