THE SPRINGBOKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1922, Page 1

THE SPRINGBOKS.

Tip CABLE ABOUT THE MAORIS, i [by telegraph—per press association] WELLINGTON, January 16.

No little harm was done to the reputation of tne Springbok footballers, who toured. New Zealand by the circulation of unfair reports that they weic 1 biassed as sportsmen. Certain biassed ; reports were dispatched to the South African newspapers by the. Press re--1 prespntatives travelling with the team, ' but that these reports were not endorsed by the members of the team, nor approved by the public in South .Africa, was evidenced by a public statement made by Mr Ira G. Emery, manager of the South African team of athletes at a civic reception here today. M l ' Eniery declared that the recent tour of the Springbok footballers had clone more than most people thought, to improve relations and cement friendships between the Union and the Dominions. No team that , ever left South Africa e ould have been received more favourably than were the ! Springboks over here. He had been in the closest touch with the majority of the team, and every one of them was full of praise for New Zealand. It was regrettable, however, said Emery, that one or two Press reports had been sent to South Africa which did not represent the true feeling of the South African sportsmen at alb This opinion In regard to these reports was freely expressed in South Africa at the time and the footballers, when the reports came to their notice on their return home, were equally annoyed. “I have been asked,” declared Mr Emery, “by the Rugby authorities in the Transvaal, to apologise for .these reports | sent to South Afica, which may have hurt your feelings in New Zealand. I do so humbly. The reports hurl us, and we, as sportsmen, felt they nust have hurt you; but we know uhey will have no effect on the strong feelings of friendship roused by the visit of the Springbok footballers—feelings which were clearly in eviderce and supported by the magnificent reception accorded to us to-day, and the Welcome given hr in Australia.” The Hon. J. G. Coates. Minister of Public Works, reassured Mr Emery, saying that the Springboks had created a most favourable impression, and many lasting friends had been made. Beyond their fine exposition of football, the Springboks bad shown sterling behaviour and fine deportment, and he hoped, before long, that New Zealand would be able to pay a return I visit to South Africa. !

Ueti’eiu&ment and Wages

(1)110 Mercantile Gazette). Mt Nos worthy in his explanation as to the reasons why it is impossible toi reduce Budget expenditure so as to adjust it with the present catastrophic fall of revenue, instanced the position of the railway workers, whose wages cannot b® reduced except by special legislation. This is much on a par, with, the famous stabilization of wages deby the Arbitration Court, which, no matter * what happens, prevents wages being reduced until April next.. In these circumstances, the unfortunate who has to find thg weekly pay envelop* must pay anjijfc look pleasant or dismiss his workers. The railways are lasing an amount per diem which would- appak a Government which is not accustomed to throwing millions about as if they were penny pieces. The obvious thing to do is to legislate to that cuts may be made in thei railwayman's pay at once. In America they have thrice reduced wages during the last 15 months, with tho consequence that owing to lower rates for passengers and freights, tho public has recommenced to use the lines and revenue is increasing. In this country the Government first increases by a tremendous amount the cost of running expenses, and then in defiance of every business principle seeks to obtain the additional revenue required by putting up rates. Tt must never be overlooked that it, is the public which fixes the price of every commodity and service and if that which is a deed does not agree with the price the public decides shall be paid, no business is the result. This applies, although not always at once, even in the case of a monopoly. There is no reason why legislation should not assist in lowering prices all round, and a st-a-t should be made first to get/ the railways on a sounder footing. It is a question for Parliament, but that is of course merely persuading Mr Massey to bring in the necessary legislation. If he wishes it done, the matter ends, because in Parliament on all questions, he is omnipotent, ns his party would, to a- man immediately endorse any and everything he proposed to do. We are not now "overned by Parliament, but by Mr Massey, vlu.ee power is as absolute and” autocratic as that of tbe late Czar of Russia.

We c annot agree with Mr Massey on many matters, we recognise, however, that in the present state of parties and the disinclination of onr best business men, to enter into politics, there is no other man with whom we would more will in ply trust ourselves than the present head of the Government. The finances of the country will soon be approaching a critical position; taxation has passed its limit some time since, revenue is falling to an alarming extent ,and no. real effort is being made by the Government to meet the trouble. There is apparently an intention to lot things drift, “a wait and see” policy, which, however satisfactory it’ may he to Mr Massey and his Ministers meets with the unanimous disapproval of the mercantile community.