RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 576, 14 June 1913, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker.

The tongue is proverbially an unruly member, and the reference made at the last Borough Council meeting to the fact that council business was the property of the man in the street before it has been dealt with in open council was but emphasising the old adage. Incidentally, it seems aa if the sage who was originally responsible for the remark had been misreported. The tongue \i merely the secondary agent which obeys the mandate of the mind, and gives form to the vagrant fancies which flit through the brain. Obviously the type of brain which concerns itself with council doings, when it might be otherwise employed, is in serious need of repair, and the haste with which the Mayor assured the world that councillors would not be guilty of such conduct was highly significant. It is the delight of some people to lift up the voice and proclaim to the world their own cherished opinion un all subjects which occur to them. As a rule the subjects which interest this type of person are not distinguished by variety, and the courtesy of the audience is severely strained in order to maintain an air of interest. Others, again, take supreme pleasure in lowering the voice, and retailing the latest item of gossip under the pledge of secrecy to all and sund»y, and this is the type which apparently upset the equanimity of Cr Graham. Purity in politics is evidently to be the watchword of the new council, and the burgesses who recorded their votes in favour of the chosen band at the recent election may congratulate themselves upon the high standard already set by their representatives. The only danger to be considered by those Te Kuiti councillors who fix their eyes on tha stars and keep them there is that the state of the footpaths may lead to their downfall. An uneasy feeling at present pervades the atmosphere of Te Kuiti in consequence of recent happenings. The residents were rudely awakened from their beauty sleep 01 Monday night by the tolling of the firebell. The usual pell mell rush took place, men, women, and children hurrying to give assistance, or gratify the craving for sensation. The brigade turned out in good style, and the performance of the famous Darktown corps was completely obliterated by the efforts of the local fire-fighters. The sensation was complete, the only tbing lacking being the fire. The solitary flicker which illuminated the blackness of night at the moment was a. street lamp in Taupiri street, and the brigade made a mad rush for the only visible enemy. It was a fortunate circumstance, as the lamp happened to be in the vicinity of the real fire, Which consisted of an armful of straw and a candle box on a vacant section. The conflagration was exterminated without loss of life.

The brigade's performance was highly satisfactory, and congratulations were showered upon them by the admiring populace. Less satisfactory was the opinion freely expressed by the disappointed crowd concerning the action of the Mayor and Council. If the city fathers wish to retain their popularity they will require to provide a proper up-to-date conflagrationa two-storeyed building preferred—with ample provision for thrilling incidents, and opportunity for the brigade to distinguish itself in something more than sprinting. The public can go to a picture show any night and get thrilled in comfort. When people are called upon to sacrifice their beauty sleep on false pretences they are apt to become soured. There were some amusing incidents, but cunsideraion for the feelings of others forbids mention of them. One of the most gratifying features about the King Country, and one, moreover, which helps materially to strengthen the confidence of the outside world in the future of the district, is the remarkable increase in population. The two recognised methods of increase in the population of any place are immigration and the natural increase in births. The migration to the King Country commenced only a few years ago, and naturally continues, but it is to the increase by births we must look for the establishing of that true solidity which makes for future greatness. No district can be deemed established until a generation has been born and reared therein. The school in which we were taught, the fields on which we played, the pools in which we bathed, and the many spots to which our vagrant childish fancies led us are all hallowed in our memories. The time is yet to come when men can turn to the King Country in re sponse to the inspiring call from the land of their birth. But that time is coming. Meanwhile the careful study of perambulator catalogues and other interesting indications are hopeful signs.