The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, JUNE 2nd., 1923. THE WEEK.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, JUNE 2nd., 1923. THE WEEK.

With the early opening of Parliament in view, the Government has taken steps to recharge the Upper House with a further hatch of Reform representatives. Tho one colour selection n ill not- give general satisfaction. It- is again a case ol spoils to the victors, While very little exception can he taken to the new members individually, the fact remains that the nominees represent only one side in Parliament. .Seeing that that side is unduly represented already, the appointments now made become the more glaring. The incident, serves to remind the country that Mr Massey has gone back once again on his promise to “reform” the Upper House. In 1911 the Massey Ministry introduced and enacted legislation with a great flourish of trumpets to make the Legislative Council elective. But- the Act has never been brought into force, and jjv the fresh hatch of members just

announced, it may be assumed there is very little intention now on the part of the Government to make the Act operative. At the time it served its purpose to tide the Government over a general election, but it is one of the most ilngrant instances of political deception over practiced, and shows the value of political promises when designedly bent on deceiving the public.

Tin: public accounts for the last financial year have been made available during the week through the Government Gazette. The excess of receipts over expenditure for tlio year were £1,315,683, which added to the balance brought forward from the previous year, gave a total credit of £8,847.043. Of this total, no less than £3,158,0t>0 were used for loan redemptions, and £50,000 for depreciation of soldiers’ loans. The credit balance at the close of the year "as £5,037,088 which "'as a decline of upwards of two millions on the credit twelve minths previously, it is quite unusual for so large a sum to be u.-ed for debt reduction out of revenue which is derived from the present high taxation. There is no reason given for this heavy transaction, and in the meantime there is a good deal of comment oil the action. Tin- net position is tliat the Dominion's credit is remaining good, thanks to the lespon-o < f the taxpayer to the high taxation. Mr Massey ha.s recognised that the undue burden cannot be continued longer, and proposes a. reduction. The annual figures indicate that it will be possible to do so. and it may be expected that in this connection the Prime Minister "ill be kept up to bis wind. There is sure to be keen criticism it- the coming session about finance and a demand for a general review of taxation methods, and this will really have to be met.

A Washington message this week recorded that a group of folly distinguished American scientists and clergymen has published a statement, holding that there is no antagonism he- . ween science and religion, a subject which, during the past year, bus aroused a Till lor and wulesptead controversy, chiefly led by Professor Brow n, on the question of evolution. Two Cabinet officers, Messrs lluover all 1 Davis, are among those "ho signed the statement, which points out that the beliefs that religion to-day stands for mediaeval theology, and that science is liiateriali-l ie iricvereiHV. ate false. Tlie statement, is a direct answer to the anti-evolut ioni-ts, in that it points out Unit science is the .sublime conception of God, revealing Him through the countless ages, developing the earth as the abode for man. 'bitters affect tug religious Ijeliel and attitude are coming more and more into the public life. The Hickson mission had a stimulating effect in Australia, us it "ill have immediately ill New Zealand. where, also, the recent Clin tell (Viigrcss has played an awakening part on the public conscience. I inning thoughts in the direction indicated lira all for the good ot the community. There is a toning down ill the reckless spirit of tlie times which found expression under the excitement of i In* war period. Ihe outward manifestation of the change suggests that inwardly there must be a real transformation taking place, and the out - come ultimately will he for the betterment of the human race.

Tut; new British Prime Minister has had during the week to line a domestic political crisis. Tlie illegal measures taken in regard to the Irish deportees has served as a means lor a strong attack upon .the Government. Personal liberty is a very dear tiling to the Britisher and the constitution affords remarkable safeguards. These are being invoked bn the benefit ol the deportees, even though their offences savoured of recreancy to the country. The personal qualities of Mr Baldwin "ill have their first test by lea son of the incident, and lie appears to be facing the ordeal as might, be expected. Although reaching so notable a T)ts*-1 with almost dramatic suddenness, Mr Baldwin, apart from Ins native talents, had experience and knowledge which should stand him lit good stead. The early training, and in particular his home life, lit him for steadiness of action, and that display of solidity which might he expected from nn Englishman in a time <>f crisis. He comes of good parents who possessed many bright talents, and these he will no doubt inherit to a liberal degree. Really, in Mr Stanley Baldwin there seems to appear the man who was waiting the striking ol the hour for his entry, and ns so often happens in the combo of Britain’s political history, the man for the inojuent has really appeared and may fe expected to do himself and the gioat position he fills, justice.

One of the benefits of the periodical conferences of local bodies is to turn over in the public mind questions affecting the general weal, which otherwise are discussed only by “the man m the street.” The advantage of the found the table talks is that action Ivcomes more focussed, following a definite conclusion by those assembled. The meetings are thus worth while, and it would l.e a pity to see them dropped. All the same the attendance of those primarily conctjrned has been disappointing of late. This is due not so much to indifference, perhaps, as to the feeling that someone else will do the job and cany on. the work. Such an attitude, however, is not the true citizen-spirit to display, and we hope there will lie a market! improvement for the future, first, in keeping with the quickening interest in public affairs and general welfare which should now Ik? manifesting itself, and second, as an encouragement to those vho are prepared to co-operate, but who do not wish to work alone. Unity is strength and support, and unified action by the members of the public bodies could work wonders in the general well-being of the community.

Ttif. meeting took up two aspects of the harbor question. In the first place there is the suggested step to he taken to get- free from the alliance with the Grey Harbor District. That position has been forced upon this community and ns there are already liabilities cn the district for the Hokitika harbor, it is inequitable that the liabilities of another port, in respect to which

there was no former representation, should even in part bo saddled on the district. It is proposed to petition Parliament on the subject. That is n reasonable step to take. The measures taken for “roping in" this district were quite unfair. It was done ',by the legislature without* an opportunity to consult the community. The enquiry which was conducted in regard to tko matter, seemed to bo rather a foregone v* Delusion, and tho legitimate protests as to the guiding of tho Commission had no consideration whatever, 'the Government, in fact, acted in a very high-handed manner, and entirely at variance to the wishes of the people. Circumstances are now so falling out, that the pent of Grey will be of little value to this district. Even the oversea export of red pine is to cease in t 1 *» *.r future, and is already a van-

jiiantity. The time is certainly "i lortune to lodge a legitimate pretest, and t-o move, constitutionally in

removing a very great wrong put upon the people by the Government.

In tiio second place, the Conference* resolved to set up a committee to discuss with the Harbor Board any possible measures "Inch can be taken to retrieve the position in regard to the local harbor. The ratepayers within the harbor area are being taxed in respect to the harbor and its appointments, but less use than ever is made of this port of entry. The position should he defined, and it should be determined whether or not it is essential to go on with the upkeep of the harbor, which, unless used legitimately, is adding quite unnecessarily to the burden of the ratepayers. The proposal now is to set up a representative committee to confer with the members of the Board. We hope some solution will Ik* found whereby shipping can he brought here. There is a. good bar, and with the improvement of the berthage, every convenience for shipping. The harbor works have played a useful part in preventing serious Hooding of the town, and should he maintained on that account. Generally, the case for the icqiiisite shipping is a good one, and if tile conference could lead up to po.-itive action, it would be a result greatly to Ik* approved. We hope the movement will result in beneficial action towards the ultimate return of a fair volume of shipping to tho part of Hokitika.

Ora readers will have observed that since the Local Bodies Conference on Wednesday evening. concrete eases have been given Hon. Michel in res; e i lo the restriction of permits for rod pin** fiom this distliet. Apart train these instances, the Government regu-

lations to which a reference has been made already, make it plain that tintotal prohibition of export is a matter only of a very short time. The quantity permitted to lie exported now is declining so fast that* tiie shoe is alrcadv pinching, and millers who have spent thousands of pounds oil improvements and expansions are face tr lace with a very serious position. Tin mills cannot be employed at anything like full time and as a consequence the workers must suffer and the decline of the industry he felt all through the district. It is a very serious position, and it is high time the trend of events was realised at the true effect. Both employer and employee should unite and clamour for a review of the damaging regulations. The Prime Minister should I*,* pressed now before lie departs for Knglaud. so that tin* way will be paved to :e-

ciiro a measuie of justice. It will la* too late to await the actual arrival ot tin* prohibition, for if the market in Am India is once lost*, it "ill Is* difficult indeed to recover it again.

Bmoitr, another issno of t lie |>o |'or ajqcnrs. the Robert* l!nrn> statue will [) - duly unveiled. Tile statue wliieli was reared io posit ion during tiie week keen admired very generally for its beauty. It is certainly stll (imminent to the grounds and fur ther adorns dress the locality of its .situation where it i> a very conspicuous object. I In* promoters ol the uieluoiial are to he t ongratulnted upon accomplishing so very successfully ih<* object they bad in hand. Interest in the matter, was tirst. stimulated by the generous donation of Mr W. Patrick with which the fund was ina non rated. The matter was then taken up by the Committee which has the satisfaction of adding another monument to the town's notable list of memorials. For its size, Hokitika has (piite a wealth of memorials, and of the number, the statue on Cass Square certainly ranks unions the best. The figure of the I’oet limns ia distinguished one. The sculptor's art "as lavished on the marble, and a very striking likeness is the rseult. The local people who were interested in the project should he proud of their work, and will no doubt be very pleased with its complete accomplishment.

Uoiikkt Hrr.NS was liorn in Jsuimiy 1759, ami died a young :n;m at tin' age of :)7 years in July 179<i. lie was the sou of poor parents, and his latter pre-deceased him only some twelve years. Burns had a frugal up-bring-ing. At one stage in Ins life his income was only £7 per annum. One hundred and twenty-seven years ago when Burns died, life and living were very different, to the phases of these times, lint despite his poverty. Burns had a. fair education, and had the facility of expressing himself very aptly. He is a great figure in the life of Scotland, and many statues have been reared to his memory by brother Scots all round the world. On his death-bod lie is credited with saying to his wife mat. he would lie more respected one hundred years alter death than in life. Ho, was thus a true prophet as tvell as a distinctive poet. Many tributes have Cecil paid to his memory and his works in the years succeeding his demise. His work is identified with the song of his native land. His works have an appeal to all, and in ‘'Auld Bang Syne”, alone, we have a measure of his which is sung all round the globe almost daily. His memory will not fade readily, and here, the very fine and pleasing statue which occupies a prominent place in the public recreation ground, will he a further reminder of a great poet, now part of the world’s possession'.