RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 543, 19 February 1913, Page 6

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker

Although Te Kuiti aa it is known to-day, possesses a very short life in the catalogue of boroughs there is a history of European influence in the district dating back to the dim and distant ages. Among the people who were connected with the earlier days of the King Country were men who did fine work for the Dominion. Time is relentlessly dealing with the old identities of the districted the ranks of the old inhabitants are being gradually thinned. There passed away at Oparure a week or two aeo John Josephs, one of the best known of the earlier inhabitants, who was recognised as one of the best type of halfcastes. For many years he was afflicted with asthma and eventually succumbed to that complaint. Ha was a member of a well-known family, his brothers Whitinui and Hori, having also been connected with the district for rr.any years. Mrs Josephs, better known as Mihinga, survives her hmband, and still keeps the store and accommodation house at Oparure.

While c:i the subject of old times in the King Countr" it may be said that the old days had an interest altogether their own. The men who lived and worked in the district were few in number, compared with the present population, and the women were chiefly notable for their absence. However, there were a number of big hearted women, who braved the hardshins and isloation of the backblocks, and blazed the trail for the members of the sex who have marched with the pioneers of settlement in recent years. Some tima ago there were suggestions abroad conerning the writing of a history of early days which would have the effect of commemorating the work of the real pioneers. It is to be hoped the suggestion will be carried out. Considering the number of interesting anecdotes one hears from time to time concerning the early days, there is ample material with which to lighten the monotony of even a dry history.

The country generally is rejoicing in the success of the Dominion's Minister ot Finance in raising a sub--atantial loan at the present time. In reporting the fact one enterprising journal headed the report "Redemption and Public Works." The combination will bo appreciated by most of the backblocks districts. It is universally recognised that ttio redemption of the country is to be brought about by the adoption of a vigorous policy in respect to public works. The Government is committed to an active land settlement programme, and public works must accompany settlement in order to provide indispensable facilities. As a matter of a fact there is a tremendous amount of road work yet to be accomplished in order to overtake the settlement which has already taken place. Settlers will breathe more freely in future when applying for roadfng loans, and may even have the temerity to attach applications for subsidies to their requests.

One of the features of a local agricultural show is the manner in which it brings out the public spirit of the younger element among the settlers. Frequently the remark is heard that the youth of the present day is lacking in most of the good qualities which distinguished the previous generation and the race is going to the dogs. I have never been able to enthusiastically agree with Jeremiah, having a shrewd idea that he must have been afflicted with a liver or an extreme morbidity. The rish.g generation may not be all that we could wish, but that ha 3 been a feature of rising generations since Adam was ejected from Eden. It may be distressing tosome people, but the majority will agree (hat the day on which the elders can declare the rising generation to be perfect will be a sad day indeed for the race. I had intended to say something about the rising generation and the Show to the advantage ot both- but as the She; will be on when this appears it may be wise to defer the remarks and to obtain reliable data.