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Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 917, 16 June 1903, Page 4

We have never concealed our opinion that tire insurance is too risky a business for the Government to undertake ; in addition to which we think the State in New Zealand has already quite as much work to do as it can attend to profitably. Mr Soddon is in favor of a preferential tariff, so that Mr Chamberlain’s proposals will come up for debate in the Houso, and we are promised some defiuito proposals in connection with the Government’s scheme of securing a wider market for our frozen meat in England. There are two questions not touched upon by Mr Seddou in his forecast which are more important than any which he actually dealt with. Those aro the legislation necessary to shapo the future of the Bank of Now Zealand, and the financial proposals of tho Government, especially with a view to retrenchment. In regard to the latter subject hints have been thrown out that the public works expenditure will bo reduced, and, therefore, that the constituencies which are always calling out 11 Give, give !” must not expect so much. What is wanted, however, is a businesslike scheme of retrenchment which

will onablo us to reduce our affairs to prudence and order, before we are compelled to slash right and left with the pruning knife, by sheer necessity. This is a point to which we hope tho House will givo its early and earnest attention. Christchurch Press.

Wo say again that the “ fairly well conducted ” report is a reflection on the police themselves. It is unjust to the “ trade,” misleading to the licensing authorities, and utterly unsatisfactory co the public. If the law has been allowed to become practically obsolete, we should like to know who is to blame but those who are charged with its enforcement. Nor will the very proper notification of the Licensing Committee as to penalties to be inflicted .for breaches, nor the appeal of the Committee to the 1 trade ” to strengthen its hands in the matter, according to declared sympathy, nor any other action which can be suggested or taken, prove effective unless the police bestir themselves and protect the law-abiding licensee from his law-breaking competitor.

—N.Z. Herald. Mr Cameron once had a retail butcher’s shop himself, but gave it up for a Government appointment. New Zealand mutton is not a new thing in the Home Market, and if the energies of private companies are not sufficient to keep the product in its place of eminence it is not likely that any Government can much benefit it. It is to be hoped that Parliament will not make a carcase of the frozen meat trade and call the vultures from afar by creating another department in which there will be plenty of billets for

friends and experience in the required line be unnecessary for the new officials.— Western Star.

For Bronchial Cough, take Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, Is 6d and 2s 6d everywhere.