RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 425, 23 December 1911, Page 5

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker

The ashes which are being so strenuously struggled for by the cream of the world's cricketers in Australia are, unlike the article referred to in Biblical history, not worn to the accompaniment of sack cloth. On the other hand to secure them is the highest ambition of the "flannelled fools" of England or Australia. Their acquisition is the medium of much re joicing. and fortunate is the team which successfully battles for them. At present the cinders are in Australia where they art! utilised in fertilising the growth of young eric keters. Such unique virtues are attributed this particular variety of ashes that they are eagerly sought for both in England and Australia. Gross minded people have been heard to remark that the ash hunters could be better occupied, and should get work. Some people are never satisfied.

Hitherto I have not heard of any particular brand of ahes peculiar to the bowling world, but there is usually a mysterious attraction enshrined in the pavilion to which enthusiastic bowlers pay reverence at times throughout the game 3. To draw a bowler to the pavilion is often a much easier task than to draw the shot, especially when the player is "stymied." A bowler who has been experiencing the most dreadful luck hastens to the pavilion wearing an expression of deep disgust. Shortly he returns with an entirely altered appearance in which beatific content and a desire to be at peace with the world is plainly manifest. The mysterious force which is endowed with power to bring calm to the troubled spirit, and bestow balm on the wounds of disappointment is indeed a treasure to be guarded. No wonder bowls is a popular game.

The long-looked-for event in the Maori political world has happened at last and Henare Kaihau has ber.n rejected for the suffrages of the Western Maori electorate. A feeling of profound regret swept like a wave through the district when tne gallant Henare's defeat became known. Such a striking figure will be greatly missed from the field of politics, which he has adorned for so many years. However, it wai recognised by his friends that his rapidly failing health rendered the strain of political work too great for hi 3 waning powers. Henare's most recent efforts have been directed towards establishing the "mana" of the King over as much native land as could be obtained for the purpose, and to this fact to a geat extent may be attributed his untoward defeat.