RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 485, 24 July 1912, Page 7

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker.

No apology is necessary for remarking on the weather these times. Consistency is a virtue in most things. In a human being it is in every sense admirable and engenders a feeling of safety. When one is secure in the Knowledge that one's friends «nd acquaintances can be depended upon to adopt a cerlain course concerning matters of mutual interest it is a wonderful relief to the nerves. On the other hand, consistency in weather is apt to overload the nerves. In the past there has been no danger of nerve strain in consequence of weather consistency in New Zealand. The present winter, however, has gone close to destroying our climatic reputation. It is cheerful to observe that the admonition of last week has haJ a 3alutary affect. Bright sunshine during the day, and frosty moonlit nights make a wlecome change.

Whether the Ministerial visit had anything to do with the change of weather is doubtful. It is certainly a coincidence that directly the visit was arranged a change came o'er the scene, and the danger of floods passed away. A spirit of strict impartiality, such as should always direct the hand that wields a pen, bids me draw, attention to the fact that the change in the leadership of our local Parliament occurred about the same time. In justice to the local Prime Minister it is but fitting to remark that his representations would probably carry great Weight with Jupiter Pluvius. A programme such as is contemplated by the new administration for the good of the people cannot be carried out to advantage without favourable weather conditions.

Talking of the local Parliament the frequency of changes in the administration give quite a kaleidoscopic effect to the performance, and the chameleon is a monument of constancy in comparison with some of the local parliamentarians. Probably this is the natural result of the spirit of levity in which some of tho members have been wont to regard the proceedings. It is refreshing to note that in future proceedings are likely to be conducted in a manner befitting the dignity of the occasion, and more calculated to hold the sympathetic interest of the public. A new note was struck with the advent of the Land Settlement Bill, and it is stated the high standard set by that measure is to be maintained by the new Cabinet during its tenure of offica.

A weakness of past administrations has been the lack of attention to the social side of politics. Few people realise the immense influence wielded by the social or domestic atmosphere, and politicians are apt to forget that women's franchise exists. The ancient aphorism, "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world," is just as true to-day as in the day 3 of the Roman Empire, and woman as a force in politics is undeniable. It is rumoured that the local Prime Minister has original ideas on the subject and intends to air them in Parliament. The statement that the local Cabinet was to indulge in a giddy whirl of social festivities, including garden parties and Ifetes of various kinds, has not been officially denied, but judging from the personnel of the Ministry the statement seems to hardly need denial. The Cabinet is a team of workers.

Some men are born to greatness; some achieve greatness; others have greatness thrust upon thern. The most worthy type of greatness is that which is achieved, though the person invested with honours by birth, or by circumstances over which he had no control, may be eminently suitable for high position. The joy cf achievement is an emotion in every sense worthy of the highest type of manhood and the person who by his own un aided efforts has riaen to eminence in public life is worthy of admiration. He may at all times be depended upon to uphold the dignity of his office, and in so doing earns the commendation of his fellows. An episode at a recent meeting of the Borough Council indioated in no uncertain manner that the business of the Council had to be conducted in accordance with time-hon-oured custom and dignity or trouble would ensue. The councillor by who the rebuke was delivered has since been called to a much more elevated position and the note sounded by him should carry due weight.