PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1927, Page 1

PRESS COMMENTS.

Among the component parts ot the Empire New Zealand was the pioneer i„ the butter anil cheese export trade, and Australia lias built up her own industry in this line largely on the example provided by this eountiy. It would now appear that it would be wise for Australia to resort once more to New Zealand for some lessons in bow to keep costs of production down to a figure that will allow her industry to carry on without its seeking to stifle what ought to be the normal course of trade between two adjacent countries under the same Empire flat.—Dunedin “ Star.”

In New Zealand catering Tor tourists is comparatively a new business. That it will grow we feel certain, for there is no country in the world which can offer greater natural attractions for tourists, and both in America and Australia there are great numbers of people looking for new scenes, ff the traffic is worth having—and there can lie very little doubt on that point it is worth encouraging, arid the best way of encouraging it is to make the tourists comfortable while they are here. - “ Taranaki Herald.”

There is in reality a distinct need of the simplification of the form in which the accounts arc exhibited, and it would ho of great advantage, also,, if measures were adopted through I'hicb a larger amount of publicity might be given to the state of the public accounts at different periods of the financial year. After all, it .is of great importance, not only to politicians and financial authorities, but. also to the whole of the taxpayers, even to the humblest among them, that accurate information of an authoritative nature respecting the financial position of the Dominion should bo afforded to them from time to time.—“Otago Daily Times.”

\II control schemes upon which New Zealand has unfortunately embarked, involve the risk of loss through deterioration of produce in storage, though the exorcise of holding commodities off the markets and of obtaining financial accommodation. and through the perils of mass speculation upon the course of prices. Experience alone will convince the producers of their mistake in sanctioning such dangerous experiments, but the control of wool sales having been set up. without the approval of wooigrowors, should bo abolished before if does worse harm than it has already caused.—“ New Zealand Herald.”

A demand for goods locally made would not only improve the national trade figures, tint would also create a demand for labour The average householder and housewife may not realise that they can play a part of no lfttie importance by the policy they adopt They may not Ik- in a position to do anything directly to reduce the numbers who are seeking work, but by creating the demand for locally-made goods they etui do something to provide steady employment for those now engaged, and possibly prevent the army of unemployed receiving additional recruits. That is an aspect ot the problem which shoiikl have the serious consideration of everyone. What best to do for those now out of work is a difficulty, but there is something that we can do to ensure steady work for those at present employed, thus certainly restricting the growth of unemployment, and possibly enabling the manufacturers to extend their operations and so engage more bands. The national aspect is for the national authorities, but it is a duty imposed on all citizens to assist, and the way to do that to the best effect is to adopt, a policy which will result in the employment of our- own people.— “Lyttelton Times.”

The Town Planning Board’s work is highly important, and much is to be hoped for from it. Only one suggestion need be made just now; the board has a. long future to use as it thinks best, and it will be wise to think long rather than to act rashlv.—Christchurch “Sun.”

The extension of Dominion manufacturing must inevitably react upon trade with Britain, and. as a corollary, stiffen the already adverse attitude of many British business men against reciprocity. That is not id say that Imperial preference need become a, mere dream and nothing more. On the contrary, .a practical means of establishing it pan and should be found. But the facts cited above show clearly enough the need for a new set of arguments in its favour. What these should he, we are nyl prepared to say off-hand. The question needs close study from a now point of view, and the old “ties of brotherhood” style of preference propaganda must lie abandoned for something that will met the practical needs of the situation. Those who have the cause of Imperial preference at heart will doubtless appreciate this and act accordingly.—"Wanganui “Chronicle.”

It, is intended that the new agricultural college shall have a status and influence superior to anything New Zealand has yet known in .agricultural education. With kindred activities it ought to have relations of cordial coordination. There is a risk of spendthrift overlapping, both in teaching and research. The council must hare a care lest the college add to outlay of money and energy- without yielding, ultimately, adequate service. For some results there must be patient toil ; the long views that scientific agriculture itself takes belong appropintely to the council's ordering of its work. In teaching, and even more in research, years must, elapse ere calculable benefits are seen. The policy to he laid down should have that fact in view. But it must not he made an excuse for carelessncss about results.—-“Xo\v Zealand Herald.”

Clearly, aerial defence is of paramount value to an 'isolated and thinlypopulated country like New Zealand, which could he attacked only by naval and air raiders, working in conjunction. Tlie Wigram Aerodrome forms the nucleus. indeed, of quite the most useful branch of national defence, and the aviators who are making it their headquarters for the next few weeks are doing a real service to their country.— Christchurch “Star.”

There is in existence an (agricultural college -which has done valuable work, and which, with the expenditure of a comparatively small sum of money, could bo equipped to render the primary producers ever-increasing service. Now it is proposed to establish in the north a second institution designed to meet the needs of other important branches of farming. Between them they should be able to place agricultural education on a sound basis, and that is what the country- requires. _ _ A great deal will depend upon the vision of the new council, and If it pieces the requirement sof the whole country before mil other considerations, then the outcome should be reflected in the general advancement or agriculture in the Dominion and 'the steady enhancement of the reputation for quality which New Zealand products hare long enjoved in the great markets of the world.— Lyttelton "Times.”