THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1908. A KING COUNTRY QUERY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 88, 26 June 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 1908. A KING COUNTRY QUERY.

WHAT are we trying to do in this country of ours ? Thus, Sir Joseph Ward during his recent speech at Te Kuiti, and proceeded to elaborate the text to meet the present situation with regard to the Conciliation and Arbitration Act. While heartily endorsing the Premier's exhortation that all should co-operate to place the

position of employer and employee on a satisfactory basis, we would point out that the text is capable of a much wider interpretation than dealing with any single branch of political economy. What is being done with regard to industrial life is doubtless of great importance, but, to the King Country, what is being done towards promoting an active and statesmanlike roading policy is of infinitely greater moment. Unfortunately, on a bunded trip, it was impossible to place before the Premier a full statement of the case,but the experience gained on the journey to Wairere should be of inestimable benefit in impressing upon Sir Joseph the absolute necessity for improvement in means of transit. When that is being clone in a thoroughly comprehensive manner the Premier can be assured of a satisfactory and convincing reply to his query as far as the backblocks are concerned. It is not expected that all the necessary roads in the district will receive ample and immediate attention. The policy pursued for years past of throwing open lands lor settlement regardless of roading facilities has brought the inevitable result, and years of careful and efficient administration will be necessary before our roads are brought into line with our land settlement. However, the recognition of an evil is the first step towards a remedy, and no opportunity should be lost of advancing the claims of the district in this and in other respects.