PUBLIC OPINION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16484, 25 February 1914, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY’S NEWSPAPERS. (By Telegraph.) ON THE'RIGHT TRACK. Although free board as well as secondary education for the children in remote parts, who pass the necessary examination may bo more than the State can be expected to provide would it not bo possible in deserving cases to give a moderate lodging .allowance no that advantage could be taken of the proficiency certificates P The Educational Institute have opened up a question that affects settlement just as much as education itself, and we trust it will receive the attention which its importance demands. Dunedin “ Star.” THE LIBERAL POLICY.

We" can point to one definite indication of a Constructive statesmanlike policy which it can hardly bo supposed has escaped the notice of the Tories. Here for example, is a single sentence that covers sufficient policy for a full session of Parliament The whole system of taxation needs revision and the burden should, as far as is practicable, be placed upon community-creat-ed values.” • We venture to say that the carrying out of this solitary proposal among others indicated by the Liberal leader would do more good, confer greater and more lasting benefits upon the whole of the community, and do more to solve, the. problem of the cost of living than anything the self-styled “Reformers” have ever conceived or are likely to conceive. If Sir Joseph Ward had said no more than what we have now quoted in indication of the Liberal policy lie would ■have given a- great declaration, expressed an important truth, and produced evidence of ' really progressive and Liberal aspirations.—New Zealand “ Times.” TOWN PLANNING.

The present Government when, wooing the electors in 1911, professed a national interest in town planning, but very little has been done to redeem the promise of definite work. We admit that the Ministry can offer passable excuses. We hope that the Government will soon be _ more serious than the average politician in working for reforms, urgently needed. If the Government is not yet ready to announce a constructive programme of town planning it should be at least willing to check the destructive tactics of town spoilers permitted- by the people’s representatives in statute law to penalise the public for their private profit.—Wellington “ Post.”