RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 744, 10 February 1915, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker.

Some alleged thinkers assert that at ftartain periods in the history cf a people *he desire for war is bound to arise. These thinkers may have arrived at a conclusion after a profound study of historical facts, but a week or two ago there was nothing in the atmosphere of tne hamlet of Aria to indicate that two races might meet in mortal conflict at the peaceful village. The local body, clothed with the responsibility of finding metal for the roads of the district, naturally took the only available limestone outcrop as a me*al quarry, innocent of the fact that the bones of dead and gone Maoris had been consigned to the same limestone bluff in bygone ages. The Maori reveres tha bones of his ancestors whsn he knows where they are, and the Aria natives of both sexes strenuously objected to the desecration of their burial ground. The County Council can show a title to the fee simple of the property, and naturally reasoned with the natives. An offer was made to remove the relics to a more suitable cemetery, but the natives refused to compromise. Nothing was left but to appeal to the strong arm of the law in the shape of the local police. Unfortunately, the local police was reduced for the moment, and only one bluecoated representative could be spared to lead tha white forces to battle. The position was studied with minute scrupulous care on the journey to Aria in a manner which would have done credit to tha German General Staff. Fired with thoughts of a short, heroic encounter, with well deserved promotion as a reward, the officer made a quick journey to the Bcene of war. What transpired when he arrived is still enshrouded in mystery, but the fort is still held by the enemy. It is asserted the wily Maori enrolled an Amazon Corps to defend the quarry, and a brave man wars not with women. Some aver the transport was defective and upset the plan of campaign. Perhaps some day the true history cf the defence of Aria quarry will be written. Meanwhile the reticence of all concerned is remarkable.

The local, A. and P. Show was not patronised as well as it deserved to be by either town or country residents. Nevertheless, it was thoroughly worth the patronage of all interested in the progress of the district. Among all classes of stock shown were to be seen excellent types, and something was to be learned by those concerned in the chief industries of the district. It has to be remembered, moreover, that in a young district the efforts of all should be directed to building up the institutions which are identified with the progress and the future of the district. Nothing can be achieved without some sacrifice on the part of the whole of the settlere, and the fact that sufficient is not being dons is hardly a credit to the district.

The ftillenium in politics, according to. Major Lusk, is only going to be reached in New Zealand when the party system is , abolished. The method of making the lion lie down with the lamb without having nightmare is not known to th 9 writer, but there is probably something about elective executive and proportional representation attached to it. However, the old method is not yet abolished, and party bickering continues. The result of the Dunedin election does not ease the position much in view of the number of election petitions which have still to be heard, and if tbe Aria quarry dispute is referred to Parliament it will probably become a party question. It seems a pity to advocate the abolition of a system which provides Buch an amount of interest to the. public in general. We were told the first-past-the-post system of election would give us quick resultß, %ith no agony of suspenss as t-j what the ultimate result would be. Verily, the remarks of those who anticipate are ludicrous. The local race meeting, which is to be held on Saturday, is providing a great amount of interest for the sporting element of the community. The committee of the club are having a busy time, while the sub-committee in charge of the course are said to be spending sleepless nights and arduous days with a view to making perfect the appointments for the safety of the competitors, and convenience of the visitors. The local owners and trainers are bearing the gaze of the public eye with a truly becoming modesty, though obviously appreciating the glamour of the moment. After the races the gaze may become a glare, and the glamour will be on the missing list of attributes ascribed to owners and trainers. Still the races have yet to eventuate, and it is unwise to anticipate. The club officials do not appear to be inordinately puffed up. Their turn may come when the machine results published.