UNKNOWN

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 607, 1 October 1913, Page 1 (Supplement)

UNKNOWN

this as the result of an attack of kuiv.U pox (.•of;u"ji>:ed with an eariv spring. The vegans cemhattsd the v.rr.vM pcK attack successfully, but just v-vhc'rn they v;g:'j looking round for frenh opponents to conquer, the hot weather commenced, and thirst supervened. Fci'tfj.'isseiy a mora gentle form of 'recreation in the shape ot bowls is afforded the old-timers in summer, and they will soon he strutting on the green defying opponent? of every description, epidemics included. The grand old game ia apparently destined to flourish at Te Kuiti. The green ia looking in splendid heart and already the keener players are paying it stealthy visits and oiling their bowla in anticipation of opening day. It is stated on excellent authority that the pairs champions intend making an onslaught on the Auckland players this season, and judging by the snap in the eyes of the lead when the matter is mentioned there is trouble in store for Auckland.

Notwithstanding the popularity of bowls, that form of recreation is not likely to absorb to spare moments of all the male population. Gardening ha l * taken on, and already the more enthusiastic plot cultivators are busy in their gardens. 'Tis a glorious thing to reflect upon the truth of the old saying that one touch of nature make 3 all Che world akin, and a common hobby ia a wonderful leveller. Probably no greater agent in thi* direction exists than gardening. It is a heartening sight to observe the neighbours comparing results and swapping—er—experiences, concerning their different experiments in horticulture end the growing of vegetables. - The invisible bonds thus woven are mightier than chains ,to bind gardener to brother gardener so closely that even rating on unimproved values does not strike a discordant note.

Te Kuiti is a young community, and contains quite a number of enthusiastic gardeners. There are various kinds 6*f enthusiasm, of course, but the character cf sentiment shown by some of the gardeners of my acquaintance who reside on the wrong side of the river is worthy of commendation. Three enthusiasts, being debarred from football by the small pox epidemic, took advantage of the Saturday afternoon to indulge in their favourite hobby, and take full advantage of the early growth. The day was warm; the sky was blue, and the spring fragrance was in the air. The men whistled, and hummed operatic tunes as they worked, and their wives smiled contentedly within doors. Still, pottering about a garden becomes tame to a man who has indulged in football, or a debating society. The spirit of spring tempted Jones first and he passed the word to Smith, after which was an easy victim. Gardening was agreed upon as a question for debate, and Brown 'b back verandah became the arena. Notwithstanding many motions to adjourn, or to report progress the discission continued. It would have bsen going yet if supplies had not been refused. Brown's caße of beer held out well, but three determined gardeners can induce a drought thirst when they start. There was some talk of the debate being resumed, but a higher power has first to be consulted.

Much has been written concerning midsummer madness, and the effect of the moon during that period, but I am opsn to have a small wager on spring for the production of more complete and convincing madness than any other season. Such manifestations aa the gardening craze; rating on unimproved values; the bolos that are played, in addition to the ordinary crop of Bpring poetry are very strong indications of a disturbance at the solar plexus, which, according to Bob Fitzsimmonds, is the seat of all understanding. However, the moat convincing feature of the case is the dramatic and singing mania which attacks people whom we are accustomed to regard as well balanced. Still, every skeleton must hav« its cupboard! It is only natural for people to become fired with the spring spirit,°and wish to give it voice, but most self-resp acting men go into the bush and compete with the birds, or seek the privaey of their own home to inflict it on the cat. The spring spirit has much to answer for. If midsummer can go one better I shall be glad to take a holiday about that time. One does not like to record the weaknesses of one's friends.

The weather as a topic, though in constant use since the dawn of time, still retains its popularity, and the conditions which have prevailed during the past month have induced much cheerful comment. The manifesed effects of weather are common to all but the psychic effects of climatic conditions can only be determined upon individual cases. Midsummer madness, or spring mania is but the outward manifestation of conditions which cannot be weighed or measured according to material standads. Thus the spirit of spring takes on forms and phases when combined with the King Country atmosphere, which are strange and weird to outsiders. This explanation, /though laboured, is, necessary in order to explain recent happenings. It has to be r. - membered that the steadying iri'uence of bowls will v.oi for anothe- *vi<el: cc Luo \, i i n> problem of rlr, 7 nip fr- d»io , v r tting om I'ijty o ' - L tLj Kw stern roMitic-, ~■ . , v , 2l ' t ] c „ (! exuberant di&rny -i r--i -, ti 1 - inp. r ili J i ' 'jini.j" Kk, bllu- I) s j ■ ,r iX Lm j ~ ,], t , towl< 1 ' ! •'!'• c; v >.i_ 1 i - , t vt>aliq'"=> 'I i w J ' J.ien.i. Guu-iu, _ is ho: I- 1 t i- Qe,|)]jed, but the is short.