DOMINION DAY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 313, 28 September 1908, Page 6

DOMINION DAY.

T'ue -celebration of Dominion Day on Saturday last so far as Wellington is concerned must be regarded as a distinct succcbs. The various functions arranged for the day passed off without hitch, arid excited a proper share of public attention. Wc can sympathise with those who protested against the holiday. It is an old-standing complaint that New j Zealand is a land of holidays, and most pcsople agree that there is need for reducing, a number of tho occasions upon | which excuse is made'for closing up business and indulging in " a, day off." But there are many holidays in the year which might well bo sacrificcd before Dominion Day. It is a day excellently suited for stimulating what the speakers at last Saturday's gatherings referred to as the national spirit. On occasions there aro outbursts of speechmaking on tho subjcct, but they are too frequently the thinly-disguised clap-trap 'of the politician and obviously intended to further party interests, and in consequence carry little weight with the mass of thinking people. What is wanted is something deeper, nobler; fine thoughts, high but attainable ideals; something, which will inspire the people to strive for better things in their public life, and in the conduct of public affairs, and be an incentive to public men themselves to recognise a higher standard of duty. Dominion Day might well be set aside as a day for bringing home to the individual the responsibilities .placed upon him by virtue of his citizenship, towards the national lifo of the country. We could, perhaps, with advantage go outside the ranks of the politicians for tho spcechmakers on these occasions, and the effect on the public mind, we ■ believe, would in time prove beneficial to tho tone of our public life and develop on sound and lasting lines that national spirit about which wo hear so. much. It would bo ungracious to pass over the Dominion Day celebrations without reference to tho special interest'which the occasion held for the Phime Minister of the country. On Saturday Sir Joseph Ward celebrated what has boon styled his political majority. He has been showered with congratulations, and we aro pleased to bo able to add ours to tho number, and to wish him a continuance of the good health which, especially during the 'past eighteen months, .has enabled him to. carry through the heavy burden of work attached to his responsible office.