RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 481, 10 July 1912, Page 5

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker,

Politics is an exciting game at present but hardly an alluring investment. For many years it was regarded as a profession, or an industry and became popular with a certain typn. Mr R. McKenzie made no secret of how he regarded the position and his irritation at having been "done out of his job" was the most natural thing in the world. It :s to be regretted the ex-Minister had not a higher conception of politics, but the opportunity is now afforded him of revising his ideas on the subject. It is to be regretted that under the party system the "loaves and fishes" play such a prominent part in politics. The time is almost ripe for the strong man with a mission to enter the political arena flaunting the non-party standard, and shouting the battle cry for an elective executive.

Talking of politics the New Evangel seems to have retired to obscurity for the time being. Evidently the time was not ripe for theological discussion and the preaching of heresies. Politics is said to consist of compromises, judicious and otherwise, and the compromise effected by Mr Fowlds between his New Evangel and the Labour platform is probably one of those political expedients which are found to be necessary in the interests of a great cause. From present appearances the Evangel seems destined to have a cold and hungry time. There are lessons to be learned from the turmoil, not the least important of which is that party expedients shall end, and administrative ability be recognised. The fact that Mr Massey won the division by securing support from the ranks of Labour and from his erstwhile opponents, and that Mr Mackenzie or any other leader in turn can only reverse the votes by a similar process sheds a lurid light on party methods. "You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time."

Local politics are also in a somewhat interesting stage, although it is doubtful if a fusion of parties would result in a stable government. As far as the County Council is concerned the chief grievance appears to be the inablity to induce the settlers to borrow money at a sufficiently rapid rate. However, there are hopes that the settlers will awaken shortly. Otherwise the council'is a happy family, though it would probably feel obliged to Providence for a summer of longer duration. As to the Borough Council it is doing its best manfully to copß with the progress of the town. Unfortunately progress got a substantial lead in the early stages, and despite a desperate sprint by the council has more than held it 9 own. The unprecedented rapidity of events has landed progress in the mud, and for a time it appeared as if the council would find a like halting place. However, it is stated the pipe uf peace is to be sent round and an ear'y summer is to be demanded.

Of the other local institutions, the Chamber of Commerce keeps its name before the public by threatening to have things done. There is nothing like having a fine large programme with a varied assortment of wrongs to right and rights to claim. When one matter has been talked about sufficiently, another can always be dug out and dangled before the public. The latest enthusiasm is the East to West Main Trunk railway, and it is stated the Chamber has absolutely nailed (he colours to the mast over the question. The colours certainly require nailing to if they are to stay there till the railway is built. Having gone this far on the aspirations of the Chamber it is only fair that something should ba said about the guod things it has accomplished. Unfortunately space in this issue to is too limited for such a lengthy record of good deeds, and the roll of honour will have tn receive publication in our next.

The Debating Society ia much too important a public body to merit only casual mention and the really enterprising and responsible political party in the society has not yet had a fair opportunity to mould events as they wish. In justice to xhe society it would be wise to defer comment until such opportunity has been given. The Mokau Railway League is still flourishing as the green bay tree, and is conducting its crusade with unabated spirit. When the railway project is achieved it is stated there is a chance of the Leagus turning its attention to road matters. There may he no foundation for the statement, but stranger things have happened. The Tangitu Settlers' .Association ia understood to be anxious to justify its existence, and threatens to take action iwith a view to getting metalled roads, unless the Massey Government brings [ in a Bill to forestall them.