PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1926, Page 1

PRESS COMMENTS.

Local bodies perform very important functions, and a more interested and sympathetic attitude by the ratepayers would lead to those functions being discharged with more efficiency, and would encourage the most suitably men in the district to offer their services—a position which does not always now arise.—“ New Zealand Herald.” The consumption of dairy produce and meat in the United Kingdom has been seriously affected by_ the prevailing industrial conditions, and there should be an improvement when the coal dispute is settled. The outlook, however, is uncertain at a time when this Dominion at any rate needs a good season. If the dairy farmers and the meat growers are not to realise all their hopes it will he some consolation for the whole country to know that the return from wool is likely to he better than it was last season.—Wanganui “ Chronicle.” It is perfectly clear that in the hands of experts, our education system is very far from yielding the results it should, and from giving ail adequate return for the money spent upon it. It seems in these circumstances highly probable that if outside opinion can he brought to bear upon the shaping of the school syllabus good will follow. All that really needs to he considered is whether this can he done effectively. In the extent to which it throws light on this practical problem, the Wellington Education Board, and others which may share and support its views, will render an important national service.— Wairarapa Age.” The subjects of some of the Bills passed this session certainly were before the people for years, hut the Bills themselves were not, and it would have sufficed if such Bills as those dealing, with town planning, family allowances. the control of local borrowings, and bus regulation, had been circulated for consideration by the public. A defective Act to end long delay in handling a problem is not a leather in anyone’s cap.—Christchurch “ Press.” Now that Sir James Allen lias returned, the Government should certainly do something with him. He has been too valuable a public servant to, be allowed to sink into political oblivion. His knowledge of Imperial questions alone is simply invaluable.— “ Manawatu Evening Standard.” We are far from being pessimistic regarding the future, but we shall save ourselves a great deal of anxiety and distress and our commercial life will he n great ileal, healthier and happier if we face the facts courageously now. as the Association is doing. Then, . if the returns from the land show no improvement, the farming community, with whose prosperity all our interests are bound up, will still be able to carry on satisfactorily; and if improvement does come, as we hope’ it will, wo shall he in a position to enjoy the full benefit of it.—'.‘Lyttelton Times.” When the worst is said that can he, said; the .one great fact remains that aFI that is required for New Zealand is an intelligent statesmanship, not alone to confirm her present pride of place, but to advance her to a position of even greater importance and happiness. Her fecundity and potentialities have not even yet been realised by many of her loyal people to whom the facts quoted above may come as a pleasant surprise and a confirmation of their uncertified convictions.—“ Southland Daily News.” Sentimental sympathy is valueless in trade; it must Impractical. and where is there any patriotism in indulging in laudation of Empire goods—and patronising foreigners, no matter whether tliev dwell under the Stars anil Stripes or one of the many flags of the Contin cut ?—Tinian i Post. 1 * Ever since March the wool market has been disturbed, and in spite of all , the difficulties the market- has remained sound and healthy. Prices to-day are reasonable, anil a reasonable price is that at which goods pass readily into consumption. Growers will not he foolish enough to wish for the return of the inflated prices of 1924-25 but will have good reason to he satisfied if the past season’s prices are maintained. Tile purchasing pover of wool consumers is still very restricted, but every year should see an improvement in this respect.—“ Marlborough Express.” It is well-known that the Home Government desires to do all in its pover to keep the Governments of the Dominions thoroughly posted on all international matters in which they are interested. Meanwhile the present system appears to work well and to seive, all purposes.—Taranaki “Daily News.” Tf all the meat works in the Dominion were under one control it is quite possible that many fanners would find it more difficult to dispose of their stock; certainly more trouble would be involved, they would have to task risks which buyers now take.— "Taranaki Herald.”