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Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1921, Page 2

I iik recent appointments to the Legislative Council suggest the casting of the shadow liclore the coining event the opening of Parliament. The choice of the new Councillors will give general

satisfaction —that is, if wo are to accept the iioini[iative system as the ideal form of selection. This retention of the old had system Mr Massey condemned, and was pledged to tx'peal, is one ol those trifles which the average politician is prone to fail in for human nature is so niton weak, and falls so readily to temptation. However, we may hope if the Prime Minister has any regard for the policy he propounded, and which ho made an effort once to enforce, he will in this coming session, or the next at latest, provide lor tin elective I’ppor House if the revising Chamber is to he I rnught within touch of tho spirit of the times. As to the latest additions to the Council, the greatest pleasure and satisfaction will he felt at Sir dailies Carroll's ap|Hiintment. Not only the Native race, hut also the European imv is honored by having this broad-minded and clear visioned, experienced public man at service. It. is a worthy ap-

populnr as Sir James throughout the whole Dominion. Mr Hislop is an oxMinister of ripe experience who won his spurs in the political game long ago. Mr Campbell is not so well known throughout, tin* Dominion, hut his choice is no doubt some concession to Auckland, which rarely misses any of tlm political plums these days. The Const is not overlooked. Both Mr Snodgrass and Mr Mclntyre may he regarded as “Coasters.” and are level-headed men with good public service to their credit. On the whole the selection may lie regarded as generally satisfactory, and the new men should add strength and ii ti lit v to the Council.

It is pleasing to note that as usual the competitions are being carried oil very successfully at. Grcymoiitli this year. There is a hand of enthusiasts there who take an interest in the cultivation of tic art of elocution and music, ai.d tliev organise the vearlv events with an

ent Inis in sm altogether commendable. The northern town is to he congratulated certainly, both mi the success of the competitions and the spirit of its citizenship which makes the success so happily possible. To point, the moral to adorn this reference, we would fain see Hokitika following in similar steps. The competitions were held here successfully in the past, hut the moving spirits left the town, and there has been on one forthcoming to load since, Oannot one effort, be made to fill the blank, and tlie town brought into line in so desirable a movement? The matter is of an educational bent, and we might, with all justice lay some claim upon the members of the teaching profession to take up the task. Also, we have a Literary Club in existence which might lend very friendly aid to the matter of organisation. If the lives of the young folks are not to he given up entirely to jazzing and picture-going, something seems to he necessary to turn their bent in tlii'r directions. Tt will he of great value to tin- rising generation m have their minds and thoughts widened and brightened as they could bo hy a course of preparation for a competition session. The effect would he uplifting to the community at large. Tlie value of tlio movement is so apparent that we do hope another year will not go immd vit’-.-ui. )• 1 rvtieid nttemot at -1 revival ol the competition* which dw*m

to bo patronised by all classes o; tbe romimmitv for the common cooil. ~ i ■—- !