GENERAL NEWS

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 121, 27 February 1919, Page 1

GENERAL NEWS

THE way in which Germany is carrying out the torms of the Armistice is disquieting but not altogether surprising. The Hun, as revealed during four years of war shows a strange blending of brute senibilities and devilish activity. The only human thing about him is his shape and that is sufficient proof that Hercules was no German. All things considered the “ mad dog ” description does not do violence to the German nature. The methods of dealing with either must have much in common, while playing with either is likely to end in tragedy. Lest others become infected with their madness they must be curtailed. The Armistice terms were meant to curtail but as these are evidently insufficient would it not bo as well to make the next cut whore the tail joins the head ?.

The Industries Commission is a possible source of enrichment for the country. For a long time it has been known that this country is not only a land of milk and honey but also of gold and precious metals and other minerals ; that the national wealth was spread over the surface and was found in layers under the crust. If the Commission does not forget and publishes its findings as to ways of developing national wealth this country may come to be industrially rich. Manufacturing districts can support a much larger population than districts given over to farming. Besides, it is well for any country to supply as many of its own needs as possible and barter the surplus for what it has not.

The discovery of so many unfits among the men called up for service has caused the Defence department to make a radical alteration in the training of territorials. Until the present the emphasis of training has been on the military and any development along other lines has been incidental. Now it is intended to so alter the system of training that the general well-being of the youth shall have the emphasis and his military training shall be secondary and incidental. It is no use denying that many people have objected to their boys receiving purely military training. These may be led to view the whole thing in a fresh light if the allround development of their boy is the intention. To rear a boy as a soldier doesn’t always make him a good citizen, but if he is taught and trained to be a good citizen he will not fail to be a good soldier if occasion arises. The war just closed proves this.

The gradual collapse of the British strikes helps to prove that the strike is an affete weapon. All the past goes to show that it is a costly weapon to use and the user is generally the one who has to pay. Any increase in pay granted is for a long time neutralised by the loss of wages during the strike to secure it. The strike is not only bad because of this but because of the damage it does to the relationship between employer and employed. Bournville and Port Sunlight are visible testimonies to the general prosperity which results from harmonious relationship between capital and labor, and they go to prove that capital and labor are not mutually antagonistic. Strikes invariably generate bad feeling and warp the view of both master and workman. Experience goes to prove that friction can bo removed without loss of dignity, good feeling, or wages, while strikes mean a loss in any or all of these.

The appointment ot Mr McVilly as manager of the N.Z. railways is stated to be a popular appointment with the railway servants. Of course it is only natural that they should hold to the belief that in their own ranks may bo found one sufficient for the task. Again, it is in accordance with tho fitness of things that the supreme position in tho servico should be within reach of any of its servants. During the term of Mr Hiley many unforeseen events occurred which render it impossible to fairly estimate the benefits of his administration. If he had plans and was not able to

carry them out he is not to blame. It is very difficult to judge any manager’s success in a government position because it is difficult to know just how far his plans are thwarted by ministerial veto. It is of little use to import a man of modern notions if he is to be tied up with too much government control. It would be better to appoint an up-to-date minister.

The industrial turmoil throughout the world is prophetic of that new order which is to be. The perfecting of methods, the speeding up of manufacture, and the increased demand on the efficiency of the workman all take a part in shaping his future, while education has done much toward forming desires for better conditions. Industry demands that he be efficient, widespread education has made him consciously human. Thus it is that seers have visions that in the very near future men will be seen going to their specialised tasks in the morningand returning again in the evening in ample time to enjoy home comforts and pleasurable pursuits before going to bed. After all, it is the prerogative of every human to live and not merely exist, and no human depreciates in value when placed in conditions where a full enjoyment of life is possible.