PRESS COMMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1927, Page 3

PRESS COMMENT.

It is to the cities that the farmer turns for his financial accommodation and to the city works to handle his produce for export. The two should work together and not independently, for New Zealand is one nation, and the aims and objects of her jieople should he common. The town versus country feeling that at times shows itself is not good, and the economic state of the Dominion is such that all sections of the people should pull together for the welfare of the whole community. AVie look forward to great development and progress in New Zealand in the years to come, but unity among all Sections of the people is required if progress is to he rapid and on sound foundations. This is a land of wonderful resources. Its future lies in tho hands of the people as a whole, and the closer the relationship between the various sections tho better, for unity and co-operative effort never fail,—Wanganui “Herald.”

It would he too much to expect an entirely dispassionate examination of the Arbitration Bill hy the proposed conference, but it will at least have the advantage that, while opinions may differ upon practical points, there will he a unifying influence in the general recognition that harmony of relations between employers and employed must l>c secured and preserved. Mr Coates has remarked that he has no illusions regarding the magnitude of the task to which he has set his baud and has frankly appealed for co-operation. If those invited to the conference approach it in that spirit, determined to subordinate prejudice and antagonism to a, mutual effort in the national interest, their labours should succeed in producing a-draft of legislation which Parliament can confidently accept as a real contribution to industrial and economic stability in the Dominion.— “New Zealand Herald.”

The Prime Afinistor should not he called upon any more than should any other private memlier, to take responsibility for a Bill which has been so twisted that it no longer resembles the original he brought down. AA e are not discussing the pros and eons of the Bill as a license versus prohibition issue. That is a question which tho individual may settle for himself without any help from us, hut we do believo that AL Contes has played a man’s part in this struggle and, whatever he the outcome so far as the Bill is concerned. lie has proved that lie possesses some of the best attributes of leadership in that ho has shown he is capable of considering a national question from a national aspect at a time when sectional influences make it particularly difficult for a leader to adhere to his singleness of purpose. “Hawcra Star.”

Doubtless the prolonged deliberations have frayed the nerves of members, hut it can he said to the credit of the Parliament of New Zealand that every memlier is coinuiendably jealous ol the good name it enjoys. Alembors may differ and engage in lively verbal encounters, hut they behave as gentlemen in their respect lor the forms and traditions of the House, and in their recognition of tho inalienable rights of fellow members. Air Coates and his colleagues will not be sorry the session has closed ; nevertheless, wo have not the least doubt that although one or two members of the Government Party may feel a little discouraged, and even perturbed, it is just as well to realise, at once, that any division in the ranks of the anti-Socialist vote must tend inevitably to immensely strengthen the political standing of the Opposition forces, and might not inconceivably result in the serious embarrassment of the ruling regime.— Timnrn “ Herald.”

Is il possible to devise a wage standard under which the farmer will not have to bear the brunt of bad times as exclusively as, in his own opinion and that of a good many other people, lie has to bear it at present? In other words, it is possible to bring wages into such a relationship with production and values within the Dominion, and with prices in oversea markets, as will ensure that the resources available in bad as well as in good times are shared fairly and equitably by all sections of the community? The farmer’s contention that fie is penalised unfairly certainly is worth looking into carefully, and there are other phases of industrial law that call only less urgently for practical consideration. A very strong ease indeed may lie made out In favour of the suggestion that the amendment of the Arbitration Act should be inquired into at leisure during the recess. —“ AVairarapa Age.”

The traffic on the railways lias not improved, largely because the fares are too high. AY by not reduce the fares and carry full loads, instead of running ball-empty trains? Rapid communication and cheap rates of travel have brought trade to the motor services, but with the increase in the taxation on motor owners, travellers may have to pay more. Il the fourpence a gallon tax is made law. motor vehicle owners will be. entitled to expect good progress in providing better load suifaees, but the Government is not noted for economical expenditure, and we doubt if the results will be proportionate to tbe heavier burden which the tax will place upon a large section of people.—“ AYanganui Herald.”