AGAIN DISAPPOINTED.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 183, 3 June 1896, Page 2

AGAIN DISAPPOINTED.

Tin; Fates seem to be fighting against us so far as the long-promised visit of A[r John McKenzie, Minister of Lands, is concerned. Por months past wo have been assured on every hand, officially and semiofficially, that all our wants would be attended to, our grievances redressed, and that an era of prosperity would dawn upon us with the advent of the Minister of Lands. The tidings that the Premier himself would visit us in lieu of his colleague was not received with the enthusiasm which it deserved, and when. Mr Mueller announced, at. the last Town Board meeting, that he had received a communication from Mr McKenzie notifying that after all he would pay his long-anticipated visit, the heart of the community throbbed with a mighty and responsive throb, and a restful feeling of satisfaction in anticipation of the blessing in store pervaded the place. As Mr McKenzie's countryman* however, puts it,

" The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft aglee." Incautiously attending a meeting in Auckland, when four labor candidates were nominated, each a staunch Government supporter, an attack of colic was brought ou which knocked the worthy Minister hoks m-; combat, ard lis was " scratched from ail engagements."

The Town Board were apprised of the unfortunate occurrence and informed that Mr W. Walker, Minister of Education, would visit Kotorua in Mr McKenzie's place. A report of Mr Walker's visit will be found in another column. It will be there seen thst though the requirements of the old town were not lost sijrht of the important work of opening up the Kuir.tu was not alluded to. We think this was a regrettable omission, because anyone who lias penetrated the scrub in that vicinity is aware that it is full of features of surpassing interest to every student of X'atu; e. It is a work which niu-t be done some day, aud no opportunity should bo lost of ing its necessity on those who have the power to hasten it on. The reopening of the load to Wairoa was another matter which might have been impressed 011 Mr Walker. There is no longer any danger of slips occurring, and at very little expense it could be made suitable for liurgv tr. flic. With these exceptions we think that the matters brought under Mr Walker's notice fill the bill of pressing requirements at the present time.