PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1927, Page 1

PRESS COMMENTS.

While some native villages present decent conditions, there arc others where there is woeful neglect of .sanitation. This is mainly duo to want of appreciation of what is required. A vigorous ■instructional campaign 'by natives themselves, and an eliort to discourage wrong attitudes oi mind would undoubtedly ell'eet an improvement in native health, and in the belief that the suggestion will be sympathetically met, it is commended to the Young Maori Party's attention.--Wanganui "Chronicle.”

As to the Singapore base, there are likely to be acute differences of opinion for a long time to come. Our conviction is that the weight of expert evidence is all on the side of the scheme, which only prejudiced minds can regard as a oludlongo or an aggressive gesture. Tt must he remembered that Air Massey had definitely promised a substantial contribution for the Singapore project, and Air Coates can hardly he blamed Tor following out his predecessor's line of policy, more especially considering the direct pressure brought to hear upon him in London to support the Admiralty and the British Government in us care filly-considered decision. 7t is true that disarmament is in the air just now, but there is no more in it than, vague possibilities. If. happily, substantial reductions should be the result of the forthcoming conference. no doubt the Empire’s programme can be adjusted accordingly.— Auckland "Star.” There are those who will say that in view of the fact that the tendency of the nations is towards disarmament. New Zealand and Australia arc not acting in accordance witli the spirit of the times in the measures they are taking for naval defence hut if must be remembered that this country i s practically defenceless, at present, and iho paci lien lion of the world is at present largely a pious wish, and by no means an accouiplishntcuf.—Ashburton “Guardian."

New Zealand is one <u the dominions which possess a special interest in the maintenance of the naval services that will utilise Singapore as a base for purposes of docking, refitting, and reconditioning. It is a mere truism that the prosperity of the Dominion depends entirely on the safety of her trade routes and on the adequacy of the naval forces by which

they are policed. It is vitally important to her that a naval base, such

as that which is being established at Singapore, should he ill existence. The

transference of the potential storm centre from the North Sea to the Pacific- Ocean lias so affected the general international situation that Mr Baldwin was guilty of no exaggeration when he spoke of the establish-

ment of the base as a matter of urgent necessity. Tn these circumstances the decision of the Government of the D minion to participate in the cost of the undertaking by contributing £1.000.000. in the form of annual payments during the period of construction of the base, should he generally commended.—"Otago Daily Times.”

The country owes much to local bodies and to the large amount of unpaid voluntary work carried out by their members. Moreover the quality of that work has been steadily improving. Any attempt to place their functions under the control of irresponsible appointed bodies should be resisted. Control In mulynbiefll.V necessai Vj but U ghuttiti oul by a Minister

who is responsible to Parliament for the manner in which the work is done. The boards are responsible to no one.— "Waikato Times.”

During the coming session upp.n l unity will he provided to protect, our important industries more effectively from the increasing pressure of foreign competition, and doubtless ii will he turned to good account. But the point we would stress is that each and every citizen can do something to assist. If the consumer will give individual preference to our own goods, and the retailer will offer the locally-produced nr tide before the imported, the effects will soon be apparent. 7 lie order of preference, can be stated very briefly —first. New Zealand manufactures, then British goods—and for the most part our requirements can lie obtained from those two sources—and. lastly, foreign goods.—“Lyttelton Times.

Shipping companies are not disposed to provide services unless freight is assured. They are not in a position to link New Zealand with potential markets ill the hope of future profits These obstacles must be faced squarely and discussed soberly. Outside ol them there should be much value in the suggested conference for many factors need to be considered caretully and with expert knowledge in the hope of extending New Zealand’s overseas markets. especially the Empire markets,— “New Zealand Herald.”

AYliat with amusements, art unions, instalment buying. Government mortgages, insurance, and so on, there is heavy competition these days for the labourer's weekly wage. ft lias boon claimed in America that the prospects opening through time payments have caused people to make additional efforts and so increase their earnings. But ill our own Dominion, where time wages are the rule, and not piecework, this cannot easily happen. The writer finally concludes that hire purchase has a distinct plan- in our industrial economy, but also that it will need careful regulation to avoid abuse.—Dunedin “Star.”

AH there is of value in those spontaneous movement, such as the Economic Preference League, could be taken and utilised by the League of Nations, which could also act as a vigilance holly, to detect and prevent abuses. There are other problems in Europe needing very delicate handling. The degree in which depreciated currencies and neglect ol long-standing war debts have damaged credit, thus delaying recovery, cannot he ignored. Here the League can do little, for it cannot interfere with the domestic <d fairs of any nation. It can, however, investigate and advise, if or when it has dealt with the many questions offering for more direct operations. If the forthcoming conference is '.tot productive of results, it will not he for want of material on which to work. "New Zealand Herald. ’