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Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1928, Page 4

We, in New Zealand, are drifting into tiie cult of the politician. The drift can be arrested. It can be only done by localities asserting and maintaining independences. The locality should be placed in position, so as naturally to follow, with keen interest, its selected candidate in his career. It should not be indebted to him because bis means have enabled him to .become their member, or to the central organisation because their funds were the lubricant which facilitated the capture of the seat. 'Whether the “Times” suggestion is accepted or not some remedy is required. On present lines of party management, which seem likely to extend more towards central control, independence of localities is being gradually sapped and the door is being slammed in the faces of the young.— “ rovei'ty Bay Herald.”

It is but rarely that the humdrum evenness of service and reward is broken in New Zealand by the conferring of an exceptional title—on an Ernest Rutherford, for example, or a Truby King, when the whole country feels that conspicous powers and service have been rightly honoured; it is but rarely that science, medicine, art, and literature are so greatly served in New Zealand that the nation naturally looks to the King for a sign of approval. Since Royal recognition in that sphere of service comes as rare almost as summer snow—a fact which might lead to some reflection on New Zealand’s standing in the world of letters, science, and art—and since our political leaders remain obstinate misters, the list of Birthday I Honours cannot"well contain resounding names.—Christchurch Sun.” I