A POLITICAL FALLACY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 565, 10 September 1920, Page 2

A POLITICAL FALLACY.

The most extravagant of political fallacies, says Mr. Buckle in his "History of Civilisation," is that the civilisation of Europe is chiefly due to the ability which has been displayed by the different Governments, and to the sagacity with which the evils of society, have been palliated by legislative' remedies. "No great political improvement, no great reform, either legislative or executive, has ever been originated in any country by its rulers. The first suggesters of such steps have Invariably been bold and able thinkers who discern the abuse, denounce it, and point out how it is to be remedied. But long after this is done even the most enlightened Governments continue to uphold the abuse, and reject the remedy. At length, if circumstances are favourable, the pressure from without becomes so strong that the Government is obliged to give way; and, the reform being accomplished, the people are expected to admire the wisdom of their rulers by whom all this has been done."

Mr. Apjio Hocton, of Nelson, celebrated his 100 th birthday on Wednesday. Born in China, Mr. Hocton went to' London at the age of 14, and afterwardsl went to sea as a cabin boy. and later as a steward, finally arriving in New Kealand in February, 1842, by the ship Thomas Harrison. When he arrived at Nelson he gave up the sea. Throughout his life' Mr. Hocton has never suffered any illness, and is still hale and hearty.

It is understood that during the next few days a Gazette notice wiM bo issued by the Government instructing all bakers to sell no biead under 24 hours old. The Board of Trade, it is stated, considers that in view of the undoubted shortage of wheat in this country some economy is absolutely essential, and they have decided in favour of stale bread rather than the manufacture of 80 per cent. Hour (producing brown bread), which has been practically a failuio at Home.

Tobacconists in England are becoming perturbed over the rapid decline in the consumption of tobacco in all forms. Men are smoking less. In May, home consumption showed a drop of nearly 2,000,0001b compared with 1919. Sales of cigars are stated to have dropped heavily, and the demand for cigarettes also has diminished very considerably. The "Cigar and Tobacco World" speaks of " a difference of nearly 8,000,0001b between the tobacco imported in May last and that brought in during the same month last year." The bonded warehouse account now stands at the enormous and unprecedented lifcure of 330,900,0001b! ,