KAIMIRO.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143764, 12 April 1912, Page 4

KAIMIRO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) April 9.—Whon a country suffers from a severe attack of democracy, its Government becomes more and more cumbersome, till at last the political machinery, both local and, general, is strained to such an extent that a drastic revolution is the only - remedy to bring affairs back to a normal condition.

On the 22nd inst., the householders are called upon, to elect school committees, and .it would be interesting to know how many persons in New Zealand will, have to serve as members of these committees. Take tho Taranaki Education .District for.an example; no less than 592' persons are required as members of school committees. Supposing' the! committees ‘meet once a month, and, that each meeting shall occupy them 3 hours; also supposing a .member's time to be worth one shilling per hour, .the cost will be £1065 12s per , annum. If the Education Board would publish the amount paid by them, to, the school committees, a very interesting ; little table, could be prepared. That our education system and administration of same .is so very costly to the country is hot to be wondered at. Great interest is taken in school committee matters here; candidates are busy addressing householders, and a keen, contest is anticipated. Much sympathy is felt here with the ship's company of the Terra Nova on account of their irreparable loss of “Nigger,” the black cat of the South Pole expedition (as reported in last Saturday’s Budget, page 53). Its narrow escape from drowning, thanks to the hasty lowering of a beat after the ship “stopped,” ought to have been a warning to the cat; but no, “Nigger” was looking forward to fame, and has, by giving its life, gained a place alongside of Dick AVittington’s historical animal. Even after “his pleased purr and his plaintive mew were for ever stilled,” the body of “Nigger” might have been useful in filling a most, troublesome vacancy. Since my last notes our local sawmill has given a fire-works display, and in so doing lost its business end. The fire was discovered about 2 a.m., having a fair hold, but as Kaimiro is a wide-awake district, willing hands were soon on the scene. The main building was saved. The loss resulted in the engine-shed and office. Tenders are out for rebuilding, our creamery. Age and wear and tear have had a softening influence on the structure; besides, it is not up-to-date.

A young friend has asked me if tho under-mentioned lines have any merit. Not being much of a judge myself, I pass them,on for criticism,.

“Eastertide is sad and dreary, Rain is falling fast. Cannot take you out, my deary, Till this shower is past. Though my thoughts, are always with you, Ram spoils all desire. If we went I could not sit you Down, in all this mire.”

There is no doubt that this wet weather during the holidays will be responsible for untold mischief. Weather; Raining hard. Wind N.W.