ECHOES of the WEEK

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 48, 20 November 1926, Page 17

ECHOES of the WEEK

PRESS OPINIONS ON :: NEW ZEALAND TOPICS

Production and still more production is the only safe policy to pursue despite the troubled outlook in the dairy produce world. And in that lespect it is a matter for regret that, to *ome extent, the instability • f the market is of our own creating.—"Lyttelton -Times.”

The' Minister of Agriculture definitely states that farming has gone back because less labour is employed than formerly, and this has occurred at a time when the only way to make farming pay is to concentrate cn getting the utmost possible < ut of tach acre. It is doubly unfortunate that, conditions being what they are, further labour has to be withdrawn from the land to replace a section of workers in an industry which has the "shelter” of an Arbitration Court award, so that an important product of the land may not be shut out from its accustomed market.—Dunedin “Evening Star.”

The Dairy Produce Board having been given control of the whole output, nobody questions its : ight to get the best price possible for it; but that best price will not be what it thinks ought to be paid, but what the market will pay, counting all factors, in this case especially the availability of other supplies, and possibly greater goodwill toward those offering lhem.— “New Zealand Herald.’’

The parts of the Empire rre separated, not by the narrow seas, but by broad oceans, so that Imperial development makes a special demand on the services of shipping and tends to the growth of the merchant fleets on which, as was shown during the Great War, the very existence of the Empire depends. Finally, it is evident that with the migration of population must also go the investment of capital, and that migration within the Empire will lead to the material development of the Dominions rather than cf foreign countries.—“Hawke’s Bay Tribune.”

Immunity from fires will be securea when people become more careful where they throw lighted matches and cigarettes. In the meantime, it may be satisfactory to the electricians to know that they are no longer under suspicion. The electric iron still demands careful attention in the home, but statistics show that notwithstanding the very great increase in the use of electricitv, the incidence of fires has decreased rather than increased.—Christchurch “Star.”

There is nothing to be gained by disguising the fact that in New Zealand today there are aliens of certain classes that we would be better without. We have room for those with standards of living equalling or approaching our own and with a traditional respect for pro-perly-constituted authority. That type can be assimilated in our national life. Those who cannot pass that test should be excluded.—“Lyttelton Times.”

A well-conducted business with good buying facilities and soundly financed will buy to better advantage and carry on with a smaller cost in working expenses than a badly-conducted business with financial disabilities and inferior purchasing power. If the rates of profits are fixed'on the necessities of the weaker concern, it means a rapid accumulation of wealth to the first named at the expense of the public.—Dunedin “Evening Star.”

There never was any intention of depriving a farmer of his right to acquire full ownership of his section, as is demonstrated by the legislation affording every opportunity to those who could afford such a luxury, but the Liberals were wiser in their generation and saw the danger of stimulating the ambition of tenants who they recognised had their limitations in regard to both ability and finance.—“ Southland Daily News."

Business is business with the keen business men of Tooley Street, who are not guided by any sentiment and know not the patriotism which dictates trade within the Empire. All these things have been brought home to the arrogant Control Board, and the Dominion has to suffer the humiliation of its Prime Minister having to intervene in an effort to rescue the dairying industry of the Dominion from impending disaster.—Oatnaru “Mail.”

The co-ordination of administrative, commercial, and farming interests, as is proposed by the suggested conference; should fie of considerable assistance in awakening land settlement throughout the Dominion from the torpor in which it has been for so long. —“Taranaki Daily News.”

Unless the sanctity of the trades union bargain is» recognised as fully as that of the individual bargain, then thqre is evidently nothing for it but to push for a reversion to old methods, and the bargain-abiding trades unions should bear this in mind if they want the group system preserved. —"Hawke's Bay Tribune."

The Minister of Lands looks to the subdivision of farms as the best hope for the country, and undoubtedly there are very many instances where it would be better to do so. The small farm worked by the family is not, however, suitable for all forms of farming, and there seems to be no good reason why the family should be supposed to work for less wages than they would take

from an outsider. The Minister says * there is a greater equity in many cases than the State Advances require, but there is not the money required to finance the farmers. Yet if the costs , were lowered the difficulty would disappear, for if farmers were prosperous they would have no difficulty in obtaining money.—Wanganui “Herald.”

We do not think that the amenities of town life are the only cause of the drift to the town; a more potent one is probably the feeling that the country offers small prospects for the man with little capital. But in New Zealand we are more favourably situated than in some other Dominions. The distances with us are smaller, communications better, and isolation is not so acute. We feel that a good general education, with a year at such an institutk* _as that recently established for the training pf emigrants, is probably the best sort of preparation that can be devised. "Hawke’s Bay Herald.”

We cannot afford to adopt a policy of laissez faire because great national questions are not thrust upon us by force of circumstances, as is the case in other parts of the Empire. The chance is given us to build industriously and soundly, each generation making its contribution to _ the construction of the national edifice.—Lyttelton “Tinies.”

A readjustment of defence expenditure should amply suffice to enable the provision of an air service that could be employed in civil work when not required for defence purposes, though there should be adequate training for the latter. The subject of airships appears to have been only briefly mentioned, probably for the reason that further research and experiments are necessary before the existing difficulties are overcome. It is to be hoped that the discussion will stimulate progress in aviation. —“Taranaki Daily News.”

No Dominion can partake of the advantages of the Imperial Family without assuming its share of the responsibilities. This understanding is now general, and it means the establishment of unity on the family basis. There will be room for family talks and even disagreements within the family, but where the rest of the world is concerned the old unifying cry of the musketeers is to be retained; Each for all, and all for each. That is the secret of an Imperial solidarity that leaves the units room enough for the control of their own domestic affairs.— 'Southland Times.”

New Zealand can sell her produce on its merits. A clear business understanding alone will be satisfactory, and this should be insisted on as the basis of trade, in the interests of the manufacturer and the consumer. If we cannot depend on such means, neither tariffs nor control boards will help us in the matter. This, we have always contended, is not a question in which Imperial Conferences or trade conferences have the last say—the consumer is master of the situation. — “Southland DailyTimes.”

Athletic games are most suitable for training many of the elements of a strong, self-reliant, yet self-controlled manhood, and from the battle of mind against mind, skill against skill, and the demands of courage and endurance, accrue not only physical benefits, but, what is of greater importance in national development, invaluable moral and social training.—“Lyttelton Times.”

America to-day owes her strong industrial position to her policy of protective tariffs, and what America has already done the British Empire can do in the future. The time is coming, beyond question—and there is some satisfaction in knowing that a large section of the thinking English public is realising it—when a real and lasting Empire preference will be an established fact. Imperial preference in all its phases is a faith, whatever Sir Wal> ter Runciman mav say, and only when that faith is justified will the Empire realise how great are her self-contained resources. —“Poverty Bay Herald.”

In the past the huge prohibition vote has been augmented by large numbers who do not believe in extreme measures, but whose wishes have never been considered. We are confident that if the light wines and beers system were substituted ’for the existing third issue the question would be settled for all time, and to the satisfaction of all parties. That is surely what the Alliance should want—instead of indulging its personal prejudice, and prolonging by its action conditions that it declares heap untold miseries on humanity.— "Southland Daily News.”

British Dominions in this part of the world recognise that America’s growing influence in this sphere is a factor to be reckoned with, and an expression of friendship based on similarity of ideals and common interests must have a beneficial effect. The wonderful record of American and Canadian harmony is known and appreciated _in these southern lands, and an extension of that spirit to the young nations of the southern Pacific will give confidence in facing the future.—"Lyttelton Times.”

One of the Great War’s lessons was that partial preparatory training has not sufficed to avert early losses on a scale that could have been .greatly reduced had the forces been thoroughly trained. What would be the result if there were no training at all? Under our present system the training of the Territorials is chiefly administered .by those who have seen active service. Why should the fruit of dearly-bought experience be wantonly scrapped by the wiping out of the system? Once gone it could not be replaced. 1 ntil the whole community can confemnlnte with equanimity the prospect of New Zealand being entirely defenceless this harrying of the present defence system ought to be comnletelv dropped. — Dunedin "Evening Star.”

The British Government has descended to advertising on envelopes, and New Zealand might be permitted, to do a little tourist advertising in a similar direction But if there is a demand for the King’s head on the country’s stamps, then nothing but the verv best design should satisfy New Zealand. Recent unfortunate efforts mav interest stamp collectors, but, after all, to take liberties with the Sovereign’s nortrait is a mild form of lese-majesty that ought to be discouraged—Christchurch “Star.”

The new stamp deserves and will tear the closest examination of its finest details, as it will no doubt receive from all expert philatelists, but the popular judgment will be inclined rather to regard the stamp broadly, to consider whether it is a fitting symbol of the Dominion, likelv to convey to the world, over which it will presently be scattered, an adequate impression of the country’s importance, and character To everv reasonable critic the stamp will be commended bv the excellence of its conception, and the quality of its technical execution. The result realises the happiest anticipations and justifies hearty’ congratulations to the Post Office.—“ New Zealand Herald.”