PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1927, Page 4

PRESS COMMENTS.

If the existing impediments to New Zealand’s internal economic interests are to continue what hope will small farmers have of pulling through the financial crisis 'i What is wanted is a. clear recognition on the part of the North Island community that their policy of playing Australian supplies of primary produce oil’ against the trade of the South Island cannot but react disadvantagcously on the interests of the Dominion as a whole. 1 lie northern merchants do seem, as is being complained in Canterbury, to be bent on lighting the southern producer to keep him down ; but they lose sight of the fact that this policy, if persisted in, must ultimately tell against themselves.— ‘CM arlborough Express.”

It is a striking comment on the methods adopted that each defective in institutions probably costs the country an amount that would see a brilliant intellect through a university course. The Government cannot afford to neglect the subject any i'onger. Two and a-half years ago a valuable report, was submitted by a committee of inquiry that took evidence throughout the Dominion, and it would he io the advantage of this country if that were resurrected from its pigeon-hole and immediate action taken along the linos suggested. "With a small population this problem of the feeble-minded and the reproduction of their kind can be effectively handled, hut any delay makes it increasingly difficult. A policy of ignoring it, or of postponing consideration until a more convenient season, is foi'ly of the most damaging nature.— ” Lvttelton Times.”

In view of I he depreciation of the country’s prosperity, the difficulties with which all classes of the community are contending, and the magnitude of the Treasury’s reserves, the Government cannot reasonably refuse, again to reduce taxation. Any proposal to increase the existing taxes would he an act of folly that wouid be so universally condemned that it could only he regarded as proof of the Government’s determination to commit political suicide.— “New Zealand Herald.’

The Government lias outlined its health programme for the year. There is to he. apart from ordinary supervisory services, special investigation into the causes of malnutrition and disease in school c hildren ; attention to children of pre-school age: inquiry into (lie cause and treatment of the all-too-pre-valent complaint of goitre; itiriher investigation of tuberculosis; and perhaps most important of all, research work in connection with cancer. A\ith its already inadequate' health vote reduced. by {.■•_> j.O!II). how can the Government hope to obtain the' best results in these matters. Doubtless thole can he a great deal of saving in administration, hut the Health Department should he Iho last to sudor and any economies in that direction shoni’d be applied with the greatest caution.— Christchurch " Sun.”

The marked difference in the interest aroused by Australian loan issues in London, compared with the almost cordial rec eption of New Zealand’s loan proposals, tnav li" explained by the knowledge possessed by leaders in fiuuncial circle's that the demand for the nationalisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange is more cordially received in Australia than in New Zealand. Whatever the cause, it is gratifying to note tlsit. New Zealand's credit stands on the highest plane in the Home hand, notwithstanding the compnrativc faii'ure within tlie past lew months of several attractive oversea war issues.—Tiinaru ” Herald.”

We are prepared to give the .Ministry credit for an earnest desire to keep the Dominion free from the blighting effects of the drug scourge, hut the measures adopted must he reasonable adapted to existing eondilions. Our geographical posilion tends to give us a large degree of immunity from this curse, and it should not he beyond the powers of the authorities to keep a close guard at tlie- comparatively few porsts of entry. But this proposal to

arrest a man, and then, when the resultant Search has failed to disclose sufficient evidence to warrant the laying of a definite charge, to release him from custody is not British. And if the members of the Opposition can force the Government to recognise that fact they will have clone something very much worth while.—“Lyttelton Times.”

In the Dominion our debt to the early setti'ers has always been fully recognised, and due homage paid, hut it was fitting that the people of Great Britain should he made aware of the splendid spirit that actuated those who well and truly laid the foundations in outlying parts of the Empire. If that spirit is cherished by those who come after them, the future must hold bright prospects, and our Royal visitor. from His observations of our people and some knowledge of their ideals of life, felt that “ it was impossible To despair of the future of the British race.” The unity of the Empire and our common destiny demand mutual understanding, and they have been materially assisted by the visit of the Duke of York and his message from the Dominion to the Mother Country.—“ l.vttei’ton Times.”

The drastic change of policy recently made by the Dairy Control Board practically precludes any return to compulsory control, lmt if that is frankly recognised there must still remain very important duties for the Control Board to undertake in the interests of the Industry. It may still becomo the clearing-house for authoritative information regarding overseas markets, and there is scope for it to build up a strong organisation of cooperative dairy companies acting together for their mutual interests. The hoard has passed through a very trying phase, hut there is no reason why its future development should not make it of increasing value to the dairy farmers of the Dominion.— “Star.”