RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 488, 3 August 1912, Page 5

RANDOM REMARKS.

The unanimity of the outback settlers concerning the metalling scheme is a gratifying indication that our settlers are thoroughly alive to their own interests, and are prepared to co-operate in the cause of progress. It is not necessary to shed compliments on people for deciding to take action for their own benefit, but it is proverbially difficult to induce settlers to see eye to eye in public matters. Even now it will be no surprise to find an enthusiast arising to denounce the committee and all its works, and advocate something entirely new. However, judging by appearances the settlers have evidently plumbed the depths of the proposals, and found that they are suitable fur the case in point. We live in a practical world and those of us who are sane and reasonable adopt practical methods to realise the great democratic axiom of "the greatest good for the greatest number."

The beginnings of the Massey administration are being watched with the keenest interest by all. Throughout the Dominion there has been a political awakening of the most complete kind and "give Massey his chance" is the watchword at the present time. PoHtibians above all men should have the sporting instinct well developed. The new Prime Minister has played his game extremely well throughout his "political career, and he would be a poor sport who would grudge such a keen and strenuous player his innings. At times his fielding was weak, and his catching faulty, and he suffered, as all sports do, from staleness. When the pinch came, however, he was always game and his bowling retained its sting. His captaincy improved immeasurably, and to that supreme sporting attribute may be ascribed his victory in the last lest. < He is getting his chance, and few are those who begrudge it.

Te Kuitians' partiality for sames is manifested in manv directions, but in order to keep abreast of th 9 times and exhibit an intelligent interest in the various branches-of sport a hard working person has ho time to indulge in any of the games. Hockey, golf, three kinds of football, to say nothing of that most exciting pastime—politics —engross the attention in winter, while an even greater variety is offered to the public in summer. Hence it arises that in ordar to maintain a bowing acquaintance with all branches one has ? perforce,to become a spectator, and 'devote a little time to each. I have always considered golf to be a most harmiess form of recreation, but judging by the experience of players on Saturday last an appearance on the demanded more courage than facing a battery of artillery. Whistling balls, and whirling clubs required the exercise of an agility seldom associated with the game. Golf is in danger of becoming popular.

Matters in connection with the local Parliament are at present brimful of interest. The party in power is strongly entrenched behind a record of sound and statesmanlike land legislation, besides which, some very progressive measures in the way of social legislation are projected, in addition it is persistently rumoured that the round of festivities, in the form of garden parties and other like functions is likely to materialise. Whether this is merely a bait dangled by the astute Prime Minister to dazzle the unwary remains to be seen. The party in opposition, which protends to have leanings to labour,has an appearance of solidity, but it is said the relations within the ranks are not altogether happy. Intrigue is rife, and when the party appeared to have an excellent chance of securing office there was an undignified scramble for power. Defeat on that occasion instead of making for solidarity had the opposite effect, and it is said the process of disintegration has already commenced. If the present Cabinet maintains the high standard set by its initial work it is certain to remain in office, garden parties notwithstanding.

Among the things which move the masses the hospital must take high rank. The mention of subscription to the average man is sufficient to bring a hard gleam to his eye and a rigid set to his lips, nut couple the magic word "hospital" with the dread term "subscription," and at least tolerance will be extended. Idiosyncracies are common to the human kind, and a soft spot is said to exist in the flintiest heart. Seme spot 3 are admittedly hard to discover, but, since the orb we have been accustomed to regard as a flawless mass of flame has been found to be blotted in numerous places, we may safely admit the uni versa! existence of the soft spot. The hospital appeal probably finds it way to more hearts than any other, and such being the case there is apparently still a reasonable hope for the race.

In the crude prehistoric days when primeval instinct ruled mankind, and the survival of the physically fittest was the one fundamental fact of life, hospitals were unnecessary. During the period between then and

now mankind has awakened to a realisation that there are more fundamentals than one, and the broadening of human vision has led to a recognition of forces in human nature previously undreamed of. Hospitals have become essential features of modern existence, and the humanitarian instincts which prompt the building of hospitals are no mor*? controlable ' than is the feeling which inspires the maternal heart to cherish its children. Most popular functions owe some of their popularity to the feeling inherent in human nature to follow the leader. There is probably less of this in connection with a hospital function than with any other. Even the persons whose soft spot is not hospital is impelled to admit tha worthiness of the cause, and contribute his mite in the name of humanity. This week's hospital function was a great success; the next will be greater.