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Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1924, Page 2

At-’TKH very considerable delay the Government has again proved its weakness in deliberative action by deciding to establish two Schools of Eoiestrv. It is safe to say that the matter was not decided on its merits so far as the country was coiKonu-d. It is another example of Mr Massey putting the fortunes of liis party before those of the country. Looking to the political pil'd which Auckland enjovs that conclusion seems obvious. Canterbury professes to accept the derision of the Government with t'co best grace possible, no doubt feeling that half a loaf is better than none—for there was tho tear that the political influence of Auckland would win the right to the sole school. C'atiterbiny of course is the natural centre for such a school, 'being in close juxtaposition to Ilia forests of the AVest Coast which are the store house for the whole Dominion in the matter of timber for the future. The mind of the Ministry :>

the outset was in favor of Canteibury alone, till Auckland district used its influence, and had weight enough to divide honors with Canterbury. Two schools to do the job of one promises to he costly and unsatisfactry. Concentration in one centre in regard to scientific research such as is proposed ivonTd lie preferable to a divisioir "

forces, which will mean in certain instances a lack of fluids to do all that should he done. As n matter of fact it will he necessary for a considerable amount of money to lie provided locally if the Schools are to attain any degree of usefulness. The financial endowment by the Government is a beggarly sum for two schools, hut if fused and applied to one centre only, it would give far hotter results. The economic situation however had to .give wav to the political. It was more important to tho Government to placate its following in both centres than to take the national view and r,eo that tho greatest good for the greatest num- |

her wore done, irrespective of parly. It is a .'.use of spoils to the victors— those with the influence have warped the Government action in this matter and the .science of the subject "ill suffer accordingly.

New Zealand was constituted a Dominion of t!n> Failure in 1 007. To-day is the birthday celeb:ation of that event. The population was then less than a million people. It is now well about 1 100,1)00 and is approaching the million and a half mark. So New Zealand is Browing in stature. The country is regarded as one of the brightest gems of the Em].ire. and as the Britain of the South it is happily named. New. Zealand is a vigorous living country. Its people are happilv plated and the enuntry has taken its share in all emergencies. Time and again it has been to the forefront, and often led the Empire, if not the world, with some of its progressive legislation and acts in time past. The people of New Zealand have keen ready at all times to do their bit for the Empire. To the overseas wars where the U-ition was embroiled. New Zealand volunteered promptly. It has not placed a niggardly part in its support of the Xavv. One of the most effective actions of the coiintty was in the giving of a battleship to the .Motherland. It was a gift which demonstrated its usefulness in a manner lew ever dreamt of, At the cutset it was treated as a polithal matter and in <piarter.s the gill was turned to i idieule. But. time has justified the statesmanlike action cl -ir Joseph Ward for the New Zealand battleship served light through the Great \\ ar and was actually in every naval engagement of any coii.seipiem o in the oceanwide conllicl. New Zealand lias still to go far in nation building. ’I here are many empty places to fill yet; much wealth to be won from the bowels ol the tai ill; great power for industrial and domestic p.imposes to he harnessed I', ix* t!r.» material mivaiKoim-nt <>i' tlie country. The primary industries will have huger opportunities to expand, and the secondary industries will have great scope ahead of them as the population grows and increased output enables outside competition to he beaten The country is becoming better and wider known. The publicity New Zealand is receiving i.-. hearing fruit, and with the closing down of the Wembley ‘Exhibition and next year the Dunedin Exhibition opening in our own terlitory, there must be increasing streams of iconic brought to our shores. The steady growth of the population means progress, for all new arrivals must liie.l employment "hich means more production. 'lbis isle ol the southern seas has g cat scenic alions uliiili ale he:: lining more wid.lv known, and so steadily, yea: by year, the fame of the country is spreading abroad. It is only four years till X. .v Zealand attains its majority

as a Domini.in. Within that period there is ream for great advancement. Witli the final settlement of peace, the country must derive great henelits under which it will forge ninie rapidly ahead even than in the past.