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Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1921, Page 2

Tut; return of Mr Massey will in wel- | coined generally, mainly for the r< a- \ son that at the moment as the he.ul of 1 the Government he is indispensible. During his brief absence on the important mission from which lie has just returned. his (iiillcagucs have missed him greatly, and despite the fact that in; t was frequently consulted over the ] calile, many important matters have had to be held up pending his reieru. Indeed those who were not satisfied h itli the proposed action ol tile (lmu riimciifc, were able to get behind the Ministers by entiling Mr .Massey and securing a deferment of the business in hand. This was notably so in icgard to the School Her Forestry, and the report of the Racing Commission. Now that the (bneminent is complete the administration of the coiintiy should proceed more decorously. Mr Massey was a busy man abroad. He will be no less busy now on bis return, for apart from accumulated business, there are many pressing matters to tie attended to. Finance is the overwhelming subject .of the moment. The financial drift of the oouiitrv has to be arrested, and an effort made to regain the lost leeway. While at Home Mr Massey appears to have represented the country ably and at the important) conference at which he sat, did his best for New Zealand. The Uuins ho has gained has been well earned. It is to ho hoped the change and experience will prove of advantage to this country. There are very difficult times ahead, and with increased knowledge we trust Mr Massey will he able to steer the ship of State into more tranquil waters with the least inconvenience to the people at large.

Tiik latest indications with regard to the proposed change in hospital board subsidies are that, the amount so far as the Government measure to be introduced at tlie present session .of Parlinment by tlie late commission v, hicli sat, namely 26s in the £1 maximum. The Minister in charge gave this as hi a opinion to a deputation in Wellington

last week. In doing so, Mr Parr indicated it. was his own view and not that of Cabinet, which still had to decide the question. The Minister in arriving at the conclusion lie lias, has gone back on tlie proposal of bis own Depart inoiit, which in the measure circulated previously provided for a maximum of 30s in tile £l. It is! open still for tho advocates of tho higher scale to advance their support to the original scheme. We notice at the Counties’ Conference last week Mr Ward was able to enlist the support of that' body to tlie 30s subsidy, although at an earlier stage there was a, disposition to support a. fiat rate, that is 20s in the £. Seeing therefore {hat cogent facts carried tho weight they did, it would) be well for those concerned to carry on the agitation in favor of the highest subsidy obtainable, and to use every endeavour to impress Members of the Government. and of Parliament, on the real issue, tlie fairness of an equitable distribution so that the higher the people have of necessity to rate themselves for hospital administration, tho greater should l.e the Government subsidy to assist tliem. This is a fair and if isonahlo principle and is generally |C(iiignised by the Government where public administration is affected.