THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 24, 5 April 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1907.

A RECENT correspondent to the Taranaki Budget, makes a stirring appeal with reference to the necessity for the quick settlement of the Taranaki lands, and the adoption of a policy of strong activity, in the matter of public works. The writer paints a picture, of the hardships endured by the back-block settler, and the necessity for strenuous effort by all, towards getting a policy supported that will carry out land settlement on proper lines. The lines indicated by the writer are, of course, the reading, with metalled highways, of the country, before it is thrown open for selection, and the building of railways as soon thereafter as possible—certainly much sooner than is the case at present. The policy outlined is naturally one which must have the support of every reasonable person, and particularly that of the settler on the land. It is also the policy which every member of the Government would like to see inaugurated, and, no doubt, in his contemplative moments, the Minister for Lands has dreams of accomplishing land settlement after the manner set forth, before the exigencies of office render it desirable that he shall relinguish his portfolio. The remarks, which are confined by the writer to Taranaki, may, with equal justice, be applied to more parts of the colony, and it is perhaps well to remember that there are more things, than land settlement, to be provided for, by those entrusted with the work of governing, and managing the country. At the same time, none will deny that there is much to be said in support of these complaints, and both land settlement and public works, which commonly go hand in hand towards the progress of the country, might be considerably improved in other districts than Taranaki. During recent years, there has been an abnormal land hunger in the colony, and all sections of the community have been clamouring for the opening up of new lands for settlement. The Oppositionists have been as loud in their demands as the Government supporters, and the Government party has been often reproached by the Opposition press, for delay in this direction. As a matter of fact, it is safe to assume that much of the King Country land would not have been opened, until a complete system of reading had been established, had it not been for the persistent clamourings of people, who understood little of the conditions. It is, therefore, hardly just to denounce a policy which is largely the result of outside demand. The existence of conditions which entail undue hardship and privation on the part of the settlers, is one of the things which the Government is continually striving to avoid. We have all, perhaps, grounds for complaint, and the Public Works policy is condemned roundly in many parts of the colony. A national system of reading is badly required, and until a large sum of money is raised for this purpose, and devoted solely to this end, on a business-like scale, these complaints will remain with us. The Minister for Lands will be with us in a few days, and this is one of the important matters which should be brought before him. Instead of upbraiding the Government, it is desirable .that the settlers, as a body, should outline a comprehensive scheme, to benefit all and sundry, and request the Minister's support in advocating it. By this means, there is a chance of accomplishing some general good. When we make selfish, or merely parochial demands, we must be quite sure they are based on the strongest possible foundation. When we advocate a policy likely to operate for the general good of settlers throughout the country, we have the support of all, and there can be no charge of self-seeking levelled against such demands.

DEFENCE.

THE fact that the question of defence is being given a great deal more attention to, of late, than has been the case for some years past, is an evidence that the great body of New Zealanders are awakening to the fact that definite steps are necessary, if the country is to be able to hold its own, for any length of time, should occasion arise. Signs and portents are not wanting, that such a position may confront us in the near future, and the recent speech of Captain Bell, of Wellington, serves a good end, inasmuch as it sheds some light upon the state of our naval voulnteer system. None will question the advisability of paying the strictest attention to this branch of our volunteer service, as it is obvious that, unless we could hold our ports against an enemy, the country would soon be in the hands of the invaders. A country with a seaboard such as New Zealand possesses, should have a thoroughly equipped naval service, and every effort should be made towards inducing our young men to take up this branch of defence. The authorities are becoming alive to the necessity of defence, and considerably more will be done henceforth, in this direction, than has been the case in the past. The process will be a costly one, partly because of the inactivity displayed in the past, and partly because of the ever changing, and ever improving methods of modern warfare. Still, to allow our defence equipment to become obsolete, is to

invite disaster, and render valueless all that has been done in the past. The question of defence has got beyond the controversial stage. It is broadly recognised as a necessity. The country is worth having, therefore it is,worth defending against all possibilities. The only way to pretend to defend it, is to use the same methods and appliances as those which can possibly be brought against us. The National League, the watchword of which is " Defence," has only been started a few months, yet it has now a membership numbering many thousands, including men in the forefront of New Zealand thought and action. This is gratifying evidence that the subject is being kept alive, and that universal training in defence matters, will be an established feature of our colonial life in the near future. Still there is more to be done, and any action, such as Captain Bell's, is to be commended. We have already seen that New Zealand patriotism is to be relied upon in the matter of service. We have now to provide that, when service is required, the material will be at hand, wherewith to serve successfully.