RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 578, 21 June 1913, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker. There was metal in the air at last meeting of the Waitomo County Coun cil, and most of it was big. However, the gallant Major was undaunted by the size, and led his troop—horse, foot, and artilleryright up to the walls of the citadel. The chief object of the storming party semeed to be to reduce the size of the metal, and pulverise the people responsible for it. Serious breaches were made in the defenders' walls, hut it remains to be seen to what extent these will be found useful to the Major and his devoted band. It really seems as though the contractor had something to answer for. Contrast the state of things at Mairoa with the felicity of the Waitomo people. There is a metalled road to the Caves, and everyone is happy. So overcome with gratitude were the residents that they tendered a complimentary social to the contractors and council, and told them in unmeasured terms what fine people they were. It seems a pity the Mairoa people should ruthlessly shatter the fond illusion, and they have much to answer for. Still, from observations gathered at the meeting, it looks a3 though there was at least a sporting chance of making even Mairoa happy by giving them smaller metal. It should be noted by all concerned that the Waitomo metal was thoroughly blinded with screenings. From which it would appear that screenings cover a multitude of things, and contribute largely to the sum of human happiness. We all know that what the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over, and though it would be unkind to suggest that screenings blind more than metal, the Mairoa people are probably convinced that the Waitomo settlers are less observant than their neighbours. There are teveral morals to be drawn from the episode, and each of the interested parties will doubtless apply the particular moral which appeals to himself. As a preparation for a further conference on the subject the partiea are invited (without prejudice) to attend the next sitting of the Te Kuiti Parliament. Subjects vital to mankind and pregnant with that importance which dignifies affairs of world-moving interest are discused by the local Debating Society. • The question of disarmament provided a debate of intense interest, and the talent of the members was severely taxed. Like the majority of desirable things which peace-loving people yearn for, it is to be regretted that the disarming of the nations will apparently have to be postponed until certain fundamental differences have been adjusted. Civilisation has been carried to the remote corners of the earth by means of the Bible and the sword, and the weapon of warfare has to remain unsheathed to withstand any possible reaction. Civilised people are not alone gifted with the use of the sword arm, and the desire for physical compulsion comes more readily to the barbaric arm than the promptings of gentle persuasiveness to his mind. However, it is not merely against the savage that civilised man must arm, and here more abstruse and intricate reasons must be unfolded. They were all laid bare at the debate on Thursday evening, and we may look for radical changes shortly in naval and military programmes. The ratepayers of Awakino County, having in their wisdom decided to continue the Awakino County Council as a separate and individual local authority, Will now have an added interest in life. The new council, in order to justify its existence, will have to take energetic steps to keep the roading facilities abreast of the progress of the district. The great body of the ratepayers, on the other hand, in order to live up to the best traditions of the race, will require to get ready their criticism of council doings. One of the most noticeable of the amiable weaknesses which adorn the British character is the tendency to criticise the men who perform the work. It is probably a healthy sign, but it would be premature to ask the opinion of an Awakino councillor on the subject until he had run his full term of office. The members of the Ministry are at present busily engaged in preparing for the forthcoming session, after having indulged in the pleasant and fascinating pastime of throwing bouquets at the Hon. James Allen. Everyone is willing to concede that Mr Allen did his work well in Englandj but it may not be the best sort of kindness to overload him with compliments. In financial operations opportunity counts for much, and if the fickle goddess continues to smile on "God's Own Country" Mr Allei, will not be embarrassed. However, the flower-throwing stage will be forgotten when the serious business of the session comes to be undertaken, and the recommendations of the. backblocks association have to be considered. There are indications that the beating of the party drum will not be a nrnminent feature of the coming suasion, ant! for thl_i will be devoutly thankful. Incidentally, there will also be more work done.