RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 446, 9 March 1912, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker.

Strikes, rumours of strikes, and social upheavals generally, fill the air, and afford the opportunity for the man in the street to tell people how thing 3 ought to be done, A peculiarity common to strikes in our country is that for months prior to the actual climax of the trouble the strike is predicted, and no satisfactory measures are adopted to prevent what is universally admitted to be one of the most senseless and objectionable happenings possible. Directly the threatened strike becomes a reality everyone becomes animated with an unusual activity, and frequently a conference settles the matter.

Strikes are said, by some, to be unnecessary. By others they are held to be the only means by which the down-trodden worker can assert his independence. One is inclined to wonder if the blatant assertion of any state, or principle, brings the person any nearer to the real article. Physical independence is affected by so many influences that the term is entirely misleading, while a state of mental independence, we are told, has never yet been reached by an individual. Catch terms, such as "the right to work" and "the right to live," appeal to certain people who wish to be persuaded in a given direction and can only see one side of a question. This sage remark leads right to the heart of the whole business). If there was a universal point of view from which all social and moral questions could be regarded the trouble would be obviated. Unfortunately, the world has not yet reached that desirable plane, and during the long years which must elapse between now and the promised Utopia, the inevitable conclusion is that the labour trouble is bound to remain with us.

The Honorable T. Mackenzie is evidently bearing hia prospective honour modestly. When mildly approached by the press regarding the political situation the Minister dwelt upon the beauties of the weather, coupled with the exalting influence of self-abnegation. Such sentiments in a politician are rarely met with, and will be regarded as peculiar battle armour for the struggle which is to ensue in the political arena very shortly. The lessons taught by adversity are usually well learned and lasting in effect. Still it remains to be seen if the member for Egrnont will continue in the same frame of mind if he is called upon to occupy the Prime Minister's chair. Possibly Mr Mackenzie's meek and humble attitude was induced by the knowledge that woman (with a capital W) is bent upon taking an active part in the political struggle. Rival Women's Leagues in Wellington have been passing resolutions, including sentiments uf condolence, congratulation and condemnation to Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. Blast, and counter blast have been duly delivered, and the weather conditions continue very unsettled. The weather may not be a consequence, but the circumstances are suspicious. Flippancy may not be excusable on such a vitally important subect, but it is difficult to remain serious in considering the various aspects of the question. Meanwhile the battle wages.

The Local Government Bill, which was circulated in Parliament during the recent session, has received widespread notice, but little criticism has been vouchsafed on the matter. A decided difficulty presents itself to the enquiring and earnest journalist, who, in the interests of an expectant public delves into projected measures and presents the why and wherefore thereof to the world. When it comes to a bulky tome of four hundred odd clauses, however, a little time should be allowed to spar for wind and recover. A vagrant thought leads to the belief that nothing will be done with the Bill for a considerable time. Politicians and press are much too busy constructing Cabinets to trouble about such unimportant matters as local government. Besides, the Waitomo County Council is still in existence, and Te Kuiti Borough Council is actively engaged in the lighting campaign.

There is a still more potent reason for hanging up the Bill of many clauses. In fact, I am led to the conclusion that it will be hung up at such an altitude that there will be little possibility of it ever reaching earth again. One can scarcely repress a sigh for the wasted labour in those four hundred and more clauses, but man must march with the times. The effort to keep "God's Own Country" in the van of human progress must be made at all co3ts, and forty thousand clauses must be counted but a small argument against leaving these matters to be dealt with by the Te Kuiti Chamber of Commerce. A tremendous amount of trouble would have been saved had the Prime Minister known the Chamber was about to resume duty, and that the Bill would consequently be an unnecessary luxury. However, nearly all of us make mistakes at times.