Random Remarks.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 105, 29 October 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.]

Politics still occupy a prominent position in the public mind and no doubt the large audience which greeted Mr Jennings at Te Kuiti felt duly impressed with the candidate's story. However, even more convincing than precept, is a policy of good works, and after all, our politicians are judged according to their efforts in the public interest. At times, of course, we are apt to construe our own special desires to mean public welfare, but great is the law of average, and in striking an average of things done, or left undone, public opinion is a very reliable guide.

"Them's my sentiments and if you don't like 'em I shall be pleased to alter them to suit" is a mighty poor policy, and the public that is prepared to accept it deserves to have nothing better.

Attempts at humour are at all times laudable; sometimes they are laughable. To the ordinary individual the plain unvarnished tale is the safest course, even at the risk of being tiresome. One of the most humorous items in Mr Joinings speech was his earnest appeal to his supporters to not to hit below the belt, and his solemn declaration that although "there might be hard hitting during the heat of the campaign, he trusted that at all times his utterances would be characterised by fairness, and freedom from personalities. Since which remarkable exhortation the supporters have been searching for the heat, and wondering whether the candidates will ever get close enough to each other to exchange amenities In an electorate such as Taumarunui it is an even bet as to whether the candidates will emerge from the backblocks in order to learn the result of the poll within a reasonable time after the event. Moreover, if either of the candidates were either so disposed he could go through the electorate breathing fire and brimstone, and threats and promises without the other being a whit the wiser. Stil! we have sufficient faith in both gentlemen to believe that neither will run amok, unless the state of the back block roads acts injuriously on an overstrung nervous system. Mud is more likely to induce heat into a candidate's language than any other phase of the campaign.

Readiness in repartee is a faculty which often stands a public man in good stead, and the reply of Mr Jennings to a man who gave the candidate a hard nut to crack, that there was now a stone crusher in the district was extremely apt Nevertheless, Mr Jennings was treading on thin ice, which the heat of campaign might have melted at any moment. The crusher is here but it looks lonely and would present a much more cheerful front to the world if associated with a big brother. It has a distinctly effeminate appearance and is too ladylike for the treatment it should receive during the next few months. However, the hope which springs eternal in the human breast, is animating us, and we are expecting to hear of a new crrusher being sent along any day. The fact that half a dozen have not been already promised, despite the fact of an impending election, is significant, and we may reasonably go on hoping until we receive a definite negative.

It is always pleasant to be taken into a person's confidence, especially when there is a lady in the case, and when Mr Jennings confided to his audience the other evening that he once knew a very nice girl and had married her, there were distinct evidences of sympathy in various parts of the Hall. A touching picture could be drawn of the incident; of the telling of the old, old story which is ever fresh in the experience of fortunate youth. Sentiment of this description is met with in the most unexpected places, but the case in which the person did not marry the girl, and cherished the memory of his romance ever after, is usually the most touching. Of course there is a reverse side to the picture, but, as the story writers say, that is another story and is probably out of harmony with the proper sentiment. The oldest inhabitant, whose verdict is usually reliable, seeing that he has had experience both ways, is of opinion that it is a good sign when a man can refer with pride and satisfaction to an episode in which he took a prominent part during the days of his callow youth. Such an opinion naturally leads to the conclusion that the old chap's youthful episodes can be numbered among the things one would cheerfully forget.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the proof of the "Law-rence-Kennedy-Gillies" Milking Machine is in the using. Andrew Freyne, Esq., Tokaora, states:—-"I must say I am thoroughly satisfied with the L.Iv.G. Milkers and would on no account go back to hand milking*. I have had more comfort milking this season than I have ever had since I|liave been dairy farming." This is only one of many similar letters we have received. If you are still hand milking, you are spending more time, labour and money than are necessary. Full particulars post free from J. B. MacEwan and Co. Sole Agents, Fort Street, Aueklanud.