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Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1925, Page 3

ON IXDKX NI’MHKRS. 1 [t may lie concluded that index mini- ! hers are dangerous though useful ■ tilings. Indeed, in current discussion one is frequently reminded of the child playing with a hox of matches in a carpenter’s workshop. And unfortunately even adults are sometimes careless in lighting their pipes. It is not always the little knowledge that is the dangerous thing. The hasty use of a deeper understanding may he equally damaging. It is important, therefore, to nse these figures with the utmost care and circumspection. Nothing is lost by caution in statement. On the other hand, it must not he supposed that index numbers, because of their imperfection, ] are worthless. On the contrary, it has been shown that they possess features which entitles them to great respect and careful investigation. “ Within the hounds imposed by natural limitations they may be of the utmost value. The only justification for a discussion such as here set out is the necessity for emphasising their imperfections and dissipating any impression of finality or infallibility.”—From an article in the “ Monthly Review,”