PRESS COMMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1928, Page 3

PRESS COMMENT

The recently industrial conference in our own Dominion really failed to arrive at any agreement on the problem submitted to it. But though it was abortive in that respect it was none the less productive of a spirit of cordiality on either side which not only cannot lie written off’ as worthless but should lie of value in relation to tho future. The representatives of both parties learned something in the direction of mutual understanding with a proportionate softening of the old antagonisms and asperities. And even if tlie considerable measure of agreement that is to be hoped for he not- obtainable at tho present time, it. should ho possible to regard this evidence of greater toleration and a desire for a better understanding as co-operation at some later date.— “Otago Daily Times.”

There can ho little doubt that New Zealand's interests would he best served by maintaining tho Pacific: Cable system outside any merger, and before it agrees to any scheme of absorption tho Government should ask for substantial proof of tho necessity for abandoning a policy that has been repeatedly affirmed during a period of nearly Half a century. A promise lias been given that nothing definite will he done until the proposals have been submitted to the House of Commons. The same procedure should he adopted in New Zealand, so that hv full ex plana tion in Parliament the public, and especially. the commercial munity will know ox.utlv what is contemplated. Powerful interests, by sensational propaganda, secured tlie convening of the Imperial conference; care must be taken lest public interests are sacrificed by any precipitate decisions.—“ New Zealand Herald.”

That the work of tho Dental Division of tho Health Department is of parity mount importance is recognised by everyone interested in the rising generation ; indeed, the Department’s policy of attempting to preserve the-teeth of the children in the infant class, and bv expert treatment and well-directed advice to prevent dental disease, is eminently sound and worthy of tlie highest commendation. The biggest difficulty facing the local school committees is in connection with the maintenance of the dental clinics, but wc liave not the slightest doubt that once parents fully realise the immense value of the work of tho Dental Division there will be no hampering of the work of the clinics on account of unsatisfactory financial arrangements.— Timaru “ Herald.”

It must he admitted that the majority* of those who have adopted hawking as a means of earning a livelihood are respectable people, many of whom have regular rounds and become well known to their customers, hut theic are too many complaints of others, who by their insolent and aggressive methods, cause many women undue alarm. The attitude of this highly objectionable and dangerous type is really one of intimidation, and too often they succeed in making sales because the frightened housewife buys something she does not want as Hie most e<U.> five way of ridding herself o! their in welcome presence. The adoption of {.,;<• suggestion, of a distinctive badg. l . a more rigid system of licensing, and the recall of'the license held by any hawker against whom substantiated complaint was made for objectionable methods, would do much towards eliminating a very undesirable section ot a class whose behaviour, on the whole, leaves little ground lor criticism.— “ Lyttelton Tunes.”

\ large portion of the community is in the happy position of being surrounded on all sides by public utilities for the maitnennnee ol which it apparently makes no contribution, and it necessarily falls a. prey to the delusion that the Government is a knul of coni ucopia.. And while the men who provide the State with the greater portion of its revenue are a' small nnnontj t j ie s a"e and the dolt, the millionaire and tire pauper, are treated as equals the WW-bM. H ■■ that the rich should pay more than the just and tat the disposal of - by an intelligent taxpayei sl oukl b controlled by people of whom the State -ppo-'t ts : - s s rxt*»f-: leansiiita v national grounds, or the necessity, oi nation.i - ; of steady and intelligent woik. Christchurch “ Press.’ .