PRESS COMMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1925, Page 4

PRESS COMMENT.

11l the matter of promise-making the lat hour Party is the best off. since it hits never been in a position to fulfil its promiesos and is not at all likely to attain that position this year. With Labour "the roof is the limit." as thee

say in America, in the matter of promises. and though every student of politics know that Labour in office gels no nearer the milienium than the Libends or the Tories, there are people horn every minute who believe what is told them. Labour's disadvantage this year is the disastrous exposure of the extent to which tin 1 Labour movement in Australia has been infiltrated and dominated by professed Communists and the very ignominious figure cut by Halmur Governments in conseipieuce.— "Lyttelton Times."

Air Holland, speaking at Cobdon, said that his party's policy "would not prevent the present farmers from selling their farms, nor the workmen from selling their cottages, hut the transfers would have to lie made through the Land Transfer Department." This is an incomplete and misleading statement— incomplete because it does not make it clear that the farmers and workmen would have to sell to the State and to sell to it only at a valuation, and misleading because it conveys the impression that the Labour Party would permit a free market for the sale of land. —‘'Otago Daily Times."

Unless they can give reason for a contrary conclusion, we must believe that the Labour Party is in sympathy not merely with the grievance of the seamen, hut also itli the method in which they are expressing it. There is abundant reason for believing that the leaders of “The Labour movement” here are warm supporters of direct action, and regard every strike as one which merits their sympathy and assistance. no matter how irrational and dishonest ii may lie, or Low injurious to the interests of the nation. Do they intend, by silently approving the present strike, to give the people a pre-election reminder of their indifference to common-sense, fair dealing, and the public interest;-' ‘‘Christchurch Press.”

Without seeking or gaining a great measure of public applause. Sir Francis Hell helped to shape the history of the country to a degree which will probably he belter appreciated in the years to conic than ii is now. I lie Legislative Council will not- seem the same place without, his dominating personality and his tpiiet, yet linn, guidance. Thoroitgly though his right to retire lias been earned, his announcement of the stop lie is Inking will nevertheless he received with deep regret by all who have had (lie opportunity l a realise ihe magnitude and value of the service lie has done the country as a Minister of tlie Crown and Leader of the Legislative Council. --"New Zealand Herald."