RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 724, 25 November 1914, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlouker.

The world of sport is said to be common to all; a meeting ground upon which the masses mingle freely with the classes, and strengthen tha bonds which unite tha various seciions v 'of humanity. Of all the pastimes indulged in probably tha one moßt favoured by the over rich iB angling. The things which have to be bought before angling can be engaged in with any degree of self-re-spect are sufficient to appal the ordinary business man, while the casualty list at the end of a day's fishing usually includes bo many high-prised odds and ends that the angler is paying something like a guinea an ounce for his trout. Of course, tfiera is the sport to be considered, and ihe effect tf the day's exercise and amusement. On the other hand, the commissariat has also to be attended to, and —Oh, well, I've decided that bowls will have to content me this season. The man who takes on angling during war time deserves all the ex.lusiveness and prestige which constitute portion of the true angler's reward.

Tennis is a pastime which can be included among the most democratic of all sports Unlike many other branches of sport it is a game in which sex counts little and the presence of ladiea encourages mrre man to do his utmost to justify his athletic prowess. The Te Euiti Club has been singularly favoured in many respects and its success may be attributed to a combination of cirumstances. Chief among the contributing causes, however, must be mentioned the fact that through times of adversity in the past there have always been the enthusiasts who Have defied the "slings and arrows" and kept the flag flying in the knowledge that Tennis would eventually come into its own. This season there ia no doubt a3 to the popularity of the game, which must be ascribed greatly to the popularity of the enthusiasts. Even the bowlers, immersed in the intricate problems attached to that historic pastime, yield a ready admiration to the president and minor officials of the Tennis Club. Of course, bowlers ara renowned for magnanimity, and other sporting virtues.

Election time has always been noted for disturbances of unusual character, and the present year of grace is no exception to the general rule. War and pestilence and famine are "raging in the centre of civilisation, while drought spreads its devastating breath on the sunny southern lands where elections are being % held. Anything unusual in New Zealand is. always heralded by an earthquake in districts which are usually fiee from such visitations. Just prior to last general election the only earthquake on record at Te Kuiti occurred on a peaceful Sabbath evening, and last Sunday evening _ a distinct shock was felt in the district. What it presages is aproblem which will doubtless ba interpreted by the superstitious according to the na'tuial predictions of the individual. The farming community will be very well content if it presages rain.

Tha motor car as a means of transport is a luxurious and sometimes a time-saving vehicle. It is best not to describe what it is whan it is not a time-saver. Driver and passengers, on such occasions unite in their efforts to frame weird impressions and draw word pictures which are all inadequate to record their feelings. If a golf>.r happens to be included among the passengers the responsibility of the others is considerably lessened, and in recognition •of this fact golfers often have the opportunity offered them of keeping in practice during the summer. It is wi'h considerable regret that I have to record the purchase of a car by a friend who has hitherto been regarded by a small, but select, circle with feelings of respect. His only departure from the beaten track of respectability hitherto ha 3 been a certain originality in fishing methods, but in the world of sport one lapse ia always regarded with the tolerant eye. I don't mind tha car so much; he may consider his business requirements demand it, but hid next departure is sure to be gclf, and I tremble to think of what may happen when he becomes thoroughly trained.

The bowling ■tournament which opens on Friday, cannot be allowed to commence without comment in these columns. Satisfactory entries have come to band, and rsasonable weather ia all that is required to assure the euccsss of the function. Special caru has been devoted to the choice of teams, and the coramisari'it dspartment, and the event can only be awaited with that calm heroism which distinguishes the real bowler. The local green during the past week has been the scene of titanic struggles, and it i 3 to be hoped the tournament players will not be getting over-trained. , The ever-wel;oaie Hamilton mug-hunters sought to wrest the coveted trophies from the holders, but the defence was again too sound, and the mugs remain in Te Kuiti, together with the cherished McCardla Cup. The trial game between the two teams competing at the tournament was of greater interest, though the margin of one point, which sepurated them a't the finish, was hardly convincing. The president's team is capable of much better things, and when the pressure is applied throughout the tournament, the combination is expected to show its real form.