RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 681, 27 June 1914, Page 6

RANDOM REMARKS.

The political battle hae|again been, commenced at Wellington;'and for the next few months the legislative halls will ring with the eloquence of onr statesmen. As it will.be.the final

session of the ; there will be spells of electioneering, and flying squadrons will: be oot at all convenient periods. The Opposition is more fortunately placed than the Government in this respect, and doubtless fall advantage will be taken of the opportnnity. If the interest evinced at present i* any criterion the real election campaign will be the hottest on record. . It is time a little interest was manifested in politics by the general'body of the public. For many years the political, situation waa taken as a matter of coarse. Now we are back - to the burning question stage though it is sometimes difficult to discern the difference between the two great parties. However, the politicians are satisfied to differ, and the followers on both sides mast accept the situation.

Every Pari lament* sees the great, Prohibition Party becomnig more mixed up in politics notwithstanding the provision which exists for keeping the licensing issues outside the circle of either party. Possibly it is correct for the advocates of a great cause to take every opportunity to effect a political, advantage, bat one cannot help thinking that the only really permanent effect in the desired direction Jb to be achieved by pursuing enthusiastically the education of the people up to the standard one has to reach, in order to vote;, prohibition. There >is little c'oupt numbers of people are- to-day voting no-liconse, not because of the'' drink evils, but because of the evils created by the monopoly which controls the liquor traffic. The Prohibition Party may be content to accept the votes of these people in order to carry their wishes at-the poll, but it is. questionable if theie votes will be of much use to the cause when the crucial ' time comes. That time will be. after the polls have been carried. '

On Thursday last there departed from Te Haiti the Rev. E. S. Wayne to take op his charge at Waimate North. In Mr Wayne the district loses an estimable gentleman arid a devoted minister' of the Gospel, who for four years has worked devotedly in this district Mr Wayne's efforts were, of coarse, directed mainly in the,interests of his chorch, but bis work and life were characterised and guided by, the broad spirit of true Christianity, which regards all men as brothers, and all humanity 'as worthy of consideration. Ihe amount of good done by Mr Wayne will probably never be realised, but his efforts and . influence will be felt throughout the district for a long time to come, tit is the universal hope that the change of climate will prove beneficial to Mr Wayne, and that he will long be spared to work in the cause which he hat so much at heart ■• .*. '; \? '.'"■■

There are dark rumours being circulated to the effect that the Prime Minister has encouraged the local City Fathera to believe that the Government will provide a aubsidy'f6r the proposed river deviation scheme and that such an important work will be effected for the ratepayers at half rates. If this is the case it would only be a graceful act to ask the Government to accept the reclaimed land as the site for the Parliament buildngs when the seat of Government is removed to the King Country.' I hav* always held that Obnra was destined to become the capital but Mr Masaey was evidently presied with Te Kuiti. lit connection with the Ministerial ,ylsii\'4V seems as though the president at the, Bowling Club lost a tunity of getting -*l for;,- ijn-

proving the green. However, I mar be miejodgiDg the president. Ho was seen in clon' conversation with Mr Masseyanda bowler ean rarely be charged with mining opoitnnitiea.