PRESS COMMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1926, Page 3

PRESS COMMENT

Agricultural education, properly 'handled, undoubtedly offers this country'great and far-reaching benefits. It is as little in doubt that if agricul tural education is allowed to become the sport of provincal strife, these benefits will lie in great part thrown away.—“ AA’ airar up a A ge. ” The principle of trade reciprocity between Canada and Australia, and Iretween Canada and New Zealand, has been supported by Canadian public opinion as expressed in the recent election, and there is reason to hope that the display of New Zealand products at the National Exhibition at Toronto this month will have important results in the growth of a demand for New Zealand goods in the sister Dom-inion.-—“Otago Daily Times.” On the basis of the Canterbury farmers calculations, it is estimated that the value of the farm lands in Canterbury—that is to saw their earning power— is now approximately equivalent to tbe 1924 value. If that estimate can be applied 'to other parts of tlie Dominion, then it is obvious that economy and increased effort to augment production are essential to the well being of the country.—Wanganui “Herald.” For some years Sir James Allen lias had fo advise tlie Government regarding the Loudon money market, and lie would do the country yeoman service if lie could restrain the present Administration, which is setting a new record in adding to the National Debt. Parliament and people have need of just such expert advice as Sir James Allen is qualified to give.—“Lyttelton Times.” Some of tlie latest legislation—probably a good deal of it—may prove, in practice, to be imperfect, for many Bills were pushed through Parliament with a .speed that, unfortunately, precluded a deliberate consideration of them, but the volume of the work that was performed during the session suggests tli'cit, when discussion is confined within reason able limits there is no need for sessions being dragged out to a duration of lour months and more, as they have frequently been.—“Otago Daily Times.” As we understand the position, the working principle adopted is to seek in tlie adequate and methodical maintenance of roads the means of reducing surfacing costs to a minimum Special preparation is costly. AA’horc a road is maintained at such a standard that it can be surfaced with little in the way, of special preparation, this cost is avoided. At the same time a surface laid on ;a well maintained road is likely to stand bettor under traffic than if the road had bad to be largely re-formed before being .surfaced. There appears to be clear scope for steady progress in developing a policy of road surfacing and improvement on these lines.—“AA’airarapa Age.” The lire Boards 'arc advocated imnrisonnient without a fine for convicted falso-nlarin makers, but the Minister, on the supposition that children are often such “jokers.” declines to go so far. lie may be rigid: in this, but it .should be easy to make allowance ■or age. in such a matter. Fines have not bad the deterrent effect oil those tempted to give malicious false alarms.* and in the interests of the public and tlie brigades, some sterner punishment should lie tried.—Greyinoutli " Evening Star.” AA’lial is to be taught is of tlie greatest moment, but, after all, the effect of any school ((.urse will not depend so much on the curriculum as on the educational aims underlying it. The vitalising power in tlie end depends on. the teachers, for it is less a matter of prescription than of interpretation.— “Lyttelton Times.” New Zealand, in'spite of its isolation. is not immune from tlie ills to which llesli is heir, and the modern wav of envisaging public health is so decisively international that no pains should bo spared to bring the Dominion into line with, the general advance “New Zealand Herald.” AA'e are glad that Sir James Allen lias come back, full of energy still, with suggestions for increasing the efficiency of the office in London and tlie usefulness of High Commissioners as links in nil Imperial system, which we hops will not bo like prayers “whistled down the wind.” Dunedin is glad to sec him once again. Sir James lias expressed liis hope that Inter oil it will be possible for him to do something further for bis country, and we have no doubt that Unit typical desire will lie gratified.—Dunedin “Evening Star.' Freedom of private trade and industry must be real if the full benefits of enterprise are to lie ensured to our people. As the Welfare League ins it-,; A policy of drift is one of danger and those in whose hands the government of the country is should he in a position to tell the public 1 rankly just how far they wi'l go in tlie direction of the State interference with industry, trade, and commerce. It is unsettling to business for those engaged ill it to lx* left in doubt as to wliat mac come about. Thors can be little doubt that the calls for political action from various sections lave led to a certain carelessness in tlie matter of principle. As there must ho a limit to State interference, the question is: AYhere is the boundary line “Mataura Ensign.”