RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 428, 6 January 1912, Page 5

RANDOM REMARKS.

+ By Onlooker.

J .. The power of love has been extolled in song and story from time immemorial. It stirs the highest and the lowest; saint and sinner; fool and ing a wise man of the weakness. According to high authority the wise man religiously eschews fa'ling a victim to any such temporary aberration. Or ir he does become a victim, it is because of redeemiing human weaknesses which offset the keenness of his intellect and stamp him a "decent fellow" despite his obnoxious wisdom. All this is in contemplation of the rumour that a friend of the writer, who might readily be accused of wisdom by his enemies, is said to have at length been smitten with the midsummer madness, and to have taken no the silken bonds of matrimony during the holidays. Interest is on tip-toe in connection with the matter, and a royal reception is promised the wise one on his return.

The holidays are over and life is re assuming the normal after the usual period of relaxation. It is gratifying to report that most of our friends expanded under the benign influence of Santa Claus, and whatever divinity rules supreme at New Year. Poor old Santa Claus must have had a trying experience in New Zealand this Christmas, and it is understood he is framing a strong report regarding the condition of the King Country roads. The said report would probably have .been published ere now but for the uncertainty which encircles the political situation at present. Our old friend is nothing if not thorough in his method and intend to make sure of hitting the mark whichever party may be in power. In confidence it may be stated that Santa Claus has written a letter to the editor on the subject but as the writer displayed a total disregard of the !ibel law, the letter was regretfully consigned to the usual resting place uf such epistles. This pargraph is specially witten for the benefit of those children whose stockings were not as overcrowded as in past years. However there is talk of a supplementary visit from Santa Claus when tne weather improves.

We are in the throes of a political "situation" whatever that may mean, and the wonted calm serenity of the political atmosphere of the Dominion threatens to make a permanent departure to some more favoured country where labour troubles do not intrude and where the native question does not exist. Sir Joseph Ward, despite a serious reverse at the ballot still holds the reins of Government, and sits tight on the Treasury Chest, maintaining a sphinx-like attitude to all and sundry. Mr Massey, apparently already impressed with the prospective dignity of Government leadership, has not broken forth into condemnation of anybody, and awaits a move by his opponents. Meanwhile the situation continues to exercise the public mind of and casts a thicker shroud of uncertainty than usual over the future. All this is very unsettling to amiable and well-intentioned people who wish to adopt an attitude on politics and are fearful of picking the wrong pea. It is certainly inconisderate of Sir Joseph.

The Te Kuiti bowlers have returned to their native heath without gathering in any of the coveted trophies of the larger bowling world which is said to exist outside the King Country boundaries. However, they do not appear to be particularly downhearted over the matter, and with the cheerful optimism of the true sport, talk of the things that might have been and almost were. The solace of the vanquished is always avail able and a friendly, indulgent ear is always turned to the sports who have failed nobly. Moreover, opportunity is always offered to retrieve a weak performance, and with proper attention in future to the goddess who reigns supreme in the pavilion our repre=entatives may be inspired to even greater deeds. The English soldiers are said to have swdrn horribly in Flanders, nevertheless they performed nobly. This is not meant as a hint.

A mad whirl of giddy excitement was hardly within the realm of practical holiday-making during Christmas and New Year though the public had a balance in hand in that respect, on account of the general elections. However, the future looms Targe with public festivities in the shape of the races, agricultural show, school picnic and sundry other less important functions. It never rains but it pours! The flower show unfortunately was somewhat overshadowed by the general election and sundry °ocial projects associated therweich. However, it brought the highest degree of credit to the promoters and inspired in the breasts of all true husbandmen an ardour far gardening which will bear fruit, or vegetables, or flowers next season. The prize for the best gardens was a brilliant inspiration, but, in order to have given rise to the proper degree of interest it shonld have been offset by a prize for the worst garden. There would have been some difficulty in making an award and possibly a greater difficulty in escaping the consequences. Still risks must be taken by ardent enthusiasts in a good cause. * * * t A streak of true humour is concealed in the announcement that the present Ministry is to be reconstructed by Sir Joseph Ward, he having become convinced by the result of the recent election that such a course was demanded by the vofce of the people at the ballot. Mr Massey's opinion as to what the voice of the people said may reasonably be expected to differ. However, the persistent scribe who was responsible for the reconstruction idea, gravely went on to announce that certain Ministers had placed themselves unreservedly in the hands of the Prime Minister, and were willing that he should work fais own i