The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, February 27, 1909. THE PENGUIN DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 27 February 1909, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Saturday, February 27, 1909. THE PENGUIN DISASTER.

Various suggestion have been made public arising out of the Penguin disaster; some obviously of little or no value, says the Wellington Post, and all which appear to be practicable will doubtless receive expert attention. A lighthouse, for example—expensive to erect and maintain —might not be the boon some suppose. Such a questiou is purely technical, as also the simpler suggestion of a bell-buoy or other automatic warning on the treacheous rock. One suggestion, however, which the Government has accepted called for no conference with specialists —the establishment of a telephone bureau at Mr M’Meuamiu’s homestead, which is at once to be connected with Makara. Had such communication existed at the time of the wreck, not only would tidings have arrived and assistance been despatched with greater promptitude, but all the subsequent operations would have been ranch facilitated. That it will be a private convenience to Mr M’Menamin is really a consideration in its favour, for in his repeated generous exertions in aid of castaways on the coast he has more than earned the privilege of a telephone for the rest of his days. Seafaring men and the shipping interest will find this extension of special value in conveying information of the movements of vessels on the coast. We have, however, our doubts of the wisdom of the Premier, at the present stage, of donating up to ,£IOOO to the relief fund. So far, it is not known what is the extent of the needs to be relieved, nor whether private benefactions will require to be supplemented. No one will grudge help to the sufferers, from whatever source ; but as a matter of principle the State should not come forward too

impulsively to supplement subscription lists. Such a course is liable to defeat its own end. Selfdenial for others is a virtue that goes far to keep social life sweet, aud is a voluntary discipline ofthe most salutary kind ; it is liable to decline when the State intervenes, and there is no moral virtue in help rendered indirectly and vicariously by way of taxation. Of course, when there is actual need, the case is altered, but such need has not yet been shown.