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Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1926, Page 2

The proposed iiooling of the patriotic funds appears to he meeting with a good deal of opposition. Districts which were aide to collect large sums of money due to the affluence of donors, are anxious to retain till they hold for their “own” men. There is no doubt that in the aggregate there is a very large sum hoarded up, and when the proposed cion fere nee sits, doubtless the figures will be revealed. Tho point is that in a general sense the money was donated ireel> by the public for the benefit for all

concerned. Those who served, served for all and not for any provincial area. Rather than any district should suffer, tho public, wo are sure would desire to see the money used lor tho benefit of all, and not a few. So fai this principal is being applied to a fair extent by reason ot the operations of the National War Funds Council. But there is the probability that in time to come there will he dependents if not the men themselves requiring more help than their districts can give. At such a. time it would not reflect to the credit of those eoiuorned. if the deserving of one district is treated better than another. The deserving served alike and took the common risks. Those who have the lundk 'available should regard the amount as a trust lor all and not foi t a. few. In that light a, degree of amalgamation is essential. There is the question also of,administration ; by pooling there can he n large saving, and the amount so saved would ho for tho benefit of those in whose interests the amount was raised primarily. There is much to be said lor the pooling of the funds.

Tub political situation in No" Zealand is such no doubt that public interest is very much at rest. Tho Government possess a majority uhit'll affords the Ministry a very secure position. The opposition composed of two divergent parts is probably more concerned at the moment as to which half is to he regarded as the official part when facing Parliament. Nor is it clear yet how the leadership of the Liberals is to work out. Mr Wilford is still, absent and the. state of bis health is still a matter of concern. Mr Forbes as ties acting-leader might he expected to give nay tt> Sir Joseph Ward when the House meets. But while those party factions may be of some monv.'iit to those concerned immediately, the business of the country must take the first place in the minds of the people, and the wonder is that not more is heard of the political outlook and the business for the future. The many quest ions considered pressing at the time of the general election are still with us. remaining unsettled. The Government policy on

such matters would lie interesting to know. Ministers, however, are not talking politics excepting in tho general sense. Political issues are not l>eing shaped for settlement." Finance,' land settlement and general progress are questions which remain untouched. The Prime Minister has been giving a. warning about over importations, hut has not told us what, the Ministry propose to do to overhaul the finances. There is talk of «• special commit tee of heads of Departments to do that ioh. hut it must, take some time Galore their recommendations are known, and longer still before they are enforced. These proceedings have the knack of being very protracted. Bui with the Ministerial majority the country must be patient, even if long suffering, and as is customary with such matters, we must “wait an so?.”