PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1926, Page 3

PRESS COMMENTS.

There are some natures that resent opposition, and they permit their prejudices to carry them to absurd limits. A case in point was the ridiculous denunciation of tlio Press by the ardent Socialist Mayor of Christchurch and other Labour friends a few days ago, when they alleged that the papers deliberately misrepresented Labour matters. Alt’ Archer may think that such assertions put him “on side” with his party, hut the accusations are not true in fact. The newspapers give space to the views of all sections of the Labour Party and its leaders receive generous treatment, as shown by the fact that the Press Association sent to the papers a message reporting Air Archer’s statements.—Wanganui Her-

It is ridiculous to see so much political bickering about unemployment when there are so many pot-holes to he filled with metal rather than with mud in the main highways of the Dominion. There is enough road work required between Christchurch and Dunedin as would give full employment during the winter months to all the unemployed men in both islands. The present system of road maintenance is a disgrao? to local and general government. Now that motorists have contributed close 011 a million pounds for highway imprnvemnts, it is past time for a wise expenditure of the funds. Unless and until this work is

done, the taxation on motorists is simply legalised highway robbery.— Christchurch “Sun.”

Sir Joseph Ward facetiously finds comfort in the fact that liis isolated position will give him complete freedom from entanglements and the risk of a rift in bis party. It is dearly an advantage, but lie need not expect to remain aloof for a long time. The Nationalists will be glad to lie close to him. as the Americans say, and find inspiration in his wide experience and complete political knowledge. They are in dire need of a Gamaliel. . . All things considered. Sir Joseph Ward bolds tbe best place on the Opposition benches. He will 1>? able to speak with absolute freedom and without any pretence at the pursuit of power. His long day for that distinction may be past, but there is scope still for an exercise of his political ability and loyal national service. The financial position calls for constructive criticism and competent.—Christchurch “Sun.”

of “mineral specinicnt” prizes. Since then the Prime Minister has littered a downright condemnation of this thinly-disguised illegality, and intimated that there would be no more permits. . . . The Prime Minister’s strictures were fully warranted, and Air Bollard’s announcement that the Government's decision is to take effect immediately is very welcome. The attendant evils named by Air Bollard—■ the temptation is dishonesty provided by tlie broadcasting of tickets, tlie emergence of the professional promoter and tho incurring of rightfully heavy flotation expenses—have been quite as bad as he avers; but they have been less pernicious than the positive encouragement of gambling given by tlie alleged “art unions” themselves. It is well that the end of this unwholesome business is so definitely in sight.— “New Zealand Herald.”

Let us reiterate that what the public wants is transport service. If tho tramway systems do not give it—and even if they do—it is wrong in principle, and grossly unfair, to suppress reasonable private competition. There is nothing particularly sacrosanct about electrical traction. The fact that tramway systems are, for the greater part, publicly owned, may be a cause for regret, but should not prejudice the legitimate claims of busowners. Tt is difficult to see how the best interests of the whole country can be served by throttling the individualist who is out to provide better service, in whatever direction that service.may lie.—Christchurch “Sun.”

Men who cannot obtain work under ordinary conditions should bo glad to know that they will have tlie opportunity to earn enough to tide themselves and their families over the period of difficulty. It is not at i'll

likely that they will lie asked to workin r starvation wages, hut they will have to recognise that when relief works are put in hand the pay must he what the country can afford to pay for tlie work. If the unemployed will face the position honestly, without whining, and tackle their jobs seriously, they will he all the more likely to find permanent work when the winter is over. New Zealand does not want a dole system.—Wanganui “Chronicle.”

Adjustment of the adverse balance of our trade is not dependent on increased production alone, important ns that is, for the individual consumer can assist materially hy purchasing locallymade articles, thus reducing the volume of imports. ’ Tho awakening interest of the farmer, as shown in. liis willingness to take advantage of ihe benefits of scientific research, is one of tiie most reassuring prospects of the future. An increase in production hy more settlement in New Zealand rests with the Government, and though it was given a prominent [dace in their political programme, there is a danger of effective action being postponed to n more convenient.season.—“Lyttelton Times.”