NEWS AND NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1927, Page 4

NEWS AND NOTES.

The suggestion that manufacturers receiving tire; benefits of protection should give a guarantee concerning prices seems to be reasonable, but such a guarantee cannot very easily be arranged. and the machinery to enforce it. 11 prices are to be allowed to rise with a rise in wages or in tho cost of raw materials, would lead to a complicated and vexatious system of price control by a Government Department. —Christchurch " Press.”

It is quite likely, and indeed almost certain, that there are industries in the country that may legitimately claim the beneiit of some increased protection. Even- such claim should, however. Ik supported by evidence sufficiently strong to carry conviction to ah but the most hardened opponent of protection in any form. And one of the valuable results that should flow from the existence of a Tariff Association. which will direct its energies to the opposition of any increase in the taiiii’ duties that cannot he defended on eeo"omio grounds, should be that, before any claim is granted lor tho imposition of a higher scale ol duties Hum now obtains, it should be shown to possess actual merit. —“Otago Daily Times.”

W'e greatly doubt whether the genius who will do the work tho Director of Education should do can he found in X«v Zealand. At any rate, steps should by r:rl-:rn to syy if‘lie can be found

anywhere else. Ibis can he done without any interference with the Public Service Commissioner, who can he persuaded that there is no groat hurry, and that the terms of appointment ought to he such as will attract men of ’nigh attainments in other lands. The Department will not suffer through a delay of six or even twelve months in the aupoiiitmcnt of a Director, and a year is a sort time to wait if the wa’ti'!" brings us the right man. 'I lie Minister, therefore, should not wash his hands of the business, as he seems inclined to do, hut should consult the Public Service Commissioner, ask lor delay, and induce Cabinet to take a generous view of its duly in ibis most important matter.- —Lyttelton "’I imos.”

There must he an adjustment ol the wages scale, which to-day is on an uneconomic basis. This, ol course, wili not lie a simple matter, hut il preference to unionists is abolished, anil the field opened to the man willing to work and ready to start, a gernt deal would he accomplished. The sheltered industries do not wish to lace such troubles, hut want the Government to helo them out at the expense of the community.—" Taranaki News.”

New Zealand investors have not given up hope of finding supplies of r.etroleuni in some part ol the North island. If they succeed, what an immense difference it wil make to our present one-sided American business! And all the time the English motorcar is growing in popularity, as our roads become more suited to it, and this is helping to bring the scales nearer to the proper level.—" AYairarapa Age.”

In the past the Government has granted varied and liberal assistance to the mining industry in the form of subsidies, use of plant, loans, and expert and technical advice, and inquiry into the value of recent scientific developments would he in accordance with this policy. Renewed activity in the important industry of milling would not only mean' a strengthening of the man-power, but of the financial position of our eountrg also.—Lyttelton “ Times.”

There is the more reason for examining very carefully the claims that arc now being put forward on behalf of the timber industry, since it seems highly probable that anv tariff concessions made to this industry trill be regarded as a precedent. As our economic affairs are ordered in this country, any industry that asks for tariff protection because it is not able to stand on its own feet is asking, in e**"'- 1 that it should be subsidised by the farming industry. This gives farmers a particularly weighty reason for opposing am- avoidable increases l in the tariff. In view, however, ot the inevitably adverse effect of such increases on industry and employment generally, farmers will render good service to the Dominion at large by standing up for their own interests in this matter.—“ Wairarapu Age.”

The main difference in temperament between the moderates and extremists is the difference between those who have not and those who have the courage of their convictions. The doctrine preached by the two sections is the same: the extremists are merely unscrupulous in preaching it and indifferent to the means by which they seek their end. The moderation which the Labour Party should cultivate is not only moderation in method, but moderation in aim. and until this full measure of moderation is clearly seen in Labour’s policy the majority of the public will*continue to make little distinction between the two wings ot the party.— Christchurch “ Press.”

There are indications of a large potato crop this year and an outside market must be found. Our Ministers might also learn much from the promptness with which the Federal authorities act in defence of the interests of local producers. They do not make any provision for produce which could pass the most severe examination. or for other contingencies. An embargo is imposed. But the Australian will still look to New Zealand as a market for their v. beat. Hour, onions, oats and chaff. Tndetd. not so very long ago they shipped potatoes to this country. Of course, compared with the actions of the Australians the attitude of our Government- may appear to have a full measure of sweet reasonableness. hut the results of the two policies are that the Australian pro- 1

ducer secures an assured market while the New Zealand producer, as in the case of wheat, faces the problem of how best to carry on. This embargo should add to “the demand for action on the part of the Ministry. The country has had a satiety of statements explaining why anti-dumping powers should not be exercised, l/ess theorising and more action would probably improve the outlook for a large section of the community.—“Lyttelton Times.”