RANDOM REMARKS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 582, 5 July 1913, Page 3

RANDOM REMARKS.

By Onlooker. Ihe fallibility of mortals iB being continually exemplified in a manner which required the exercise of all the philosophy the victim has been able to garner during his sojourn in the vale of tears. Ordinary pitfalls, or the stereotyped sort of thing, of which we have frequently been warned are easy to dodge, and the successful eluding of these at times inspires a man with a somewhat inflated idea of hia own smartness. Of this type are those whom the gods lay themselves out to destroy, and when the plot is laid it is only a matter of a very little time for the victim to awaken to a consciousness of his fallibility. Be the instrument of destruction however humble the end of the gods is achieved, their workings evidently being upon lines and laws which are bat dimly understood by mortals, but which are immutable. Also they are Very complete.

It is never a pleasant thing to chronicle a man's misfortane or refer to his fallibility, but the painful things in life have to be faced. Some men reach qutye a respectable age in life before making the discovery that they are just'as human in their weak nesses as the other fellow. Then the discovery is likely to be as far-reach-ing in its effects as the legislation of the Howarth Government. A wellknown and highly esteemed Te Kuiti citizen has just been made completely conscious of his fallibility. At least the fall was complete, judging from his appearance in the morning. As is the case with many of these experiences the fall happened at night, and though the physical effect was immediate it was not till the morning that the combined moral and physical results were apparent. The victim is now sufficiently recovered to take nourishment, and his opinion of civic functionaries attains the dizzy limit in eloquence.

The usual air of mystery enshrouds the actual occurrence, and there is just a small suspicion that the full details have not been confided to the public An injured man dues not confine his efforts to mere vapourings, however rich in eloquence these may be, unless there is something to conceal. The victim, of course, declares the only thing concealed was the wire which tripped him up/ and this was enshrouded in darkness, not in mystery. At first blush this seems reasonable, particularly as the affair happened at night, but it is stated on unusually reliable authority that the victim was practically responsible for the erection of the wire and engineered the work. This lends quite an unusual air to the business, and in expressing sympathy with the victim care should be taken to make a very careful choice of words.

Opportunity is a thing which comes to but few, and when it does arrive it is frequently unrecognisable. However, Te Kuiti's best known and most admired warrior met his opportunity and grasped it without hesitation the other day. He is now on the bosom of the ocean treading with proud and haughty step the deck of New Zealand's gilt battleship. His oatenBible destination is Suva, whence he is supposed to return to tread his native heath, and inspire the young idea with visions of military glory when the Armageddon is fought in the Pacific. But his friends know better, and deplore the loss New Zealand has suffered at the hands of those she honoured and feted. He has been cajoled and enticed away on a specious pretext, and when next heard of he will be organising the teeming millions of Britain to prepare for the war that is coming. Perchance he may sigh for Zealandia'j sunny clime and for loyal hearts left behind,' hut visions of glory will dazzle him. Mars will hold him chained ! ! !

The football tour of the Maniapoto representatives to Rotorua ia being looked forward to with the keenest interest. An excellent team has been got together and members may be depended upon to render a good account of themselves. The Te Kuiti section of the team is as usual composed of well tried performers with very pronounced views upon the best methods of entertainment. The county provides a strong contingent which will carry the public confidence, while the Press and the Bar can hold their own both backwards and forward. Farming interests will also be prominent, having now conquered a prediction for hard beds. One of the weaknesses of the team is that there are no accomplished dodgors, and this department will probably be let to a contractor. A good man can be found'Jocally, but he is somewhat out of training. The final choice has not yet been made but with such a foundation of sound performers the result of the tour may be regarded as a foregone conclusion. It is understood the contest is to take place at Whaka next Saturday evening.

New Zealand is saved to the Empire. The insidious democratising process which has been slowly undermining the f rand and glorious traditions of parliamentary procedure has been summarily arrested, and will in future be refen ed to only in accents of scorn. Future openings of Parliament are to take rank among the impressive ceremonies of the age, and White Rod has come into his own again. He will in future occupy a position of equal prominence with Black Rod, and the effect on the legislation of the country will doubtless be very marked. The formality of the Governor imploring the gentlemen to be seated will also have a widespread affect. However, if the Covernor is a stickler for the correct thing in tradition, far be it from the loyal subjects of the Dominion to cavil thereat. He will rice? easier in the knowledge of a duty faithfully and nobly performed, and the dignity of sacred custom upheld. Still/ one trembles to think of what might have happened had Te Kuiti's "White Hope" been present.