Rangitikei Advocate. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1908 EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9079, 20 February 1908, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1908 EDITORIAL NOTES.

THE full report of Mr Massey’s speech on Saturday last is now to hand. As a criticism of the politics of the Ministerial party the speech was good, hut if Mr Massey and his party will take vigorous action to organise the electors very much better results will be obtained than from any mere criticism. Unfortunately, a bribe of a road or a bridge will spoil the effect of even the most destructive criticism. Referring to the last two years, Mr Massey emphasised the Socialistic nature of the legislation. He said “They had seen an attempt made to make the freehold impossible on the Crown lands of the Dominion, to make it impossible for young New Zealanders to acquire their independence.; and he did not think he was speaking boastfully when he said that the attempts would have been completely successful were it not for the small party represented there that day, who never back down, but kept

the flag flying daring 1906 and 1907. (Oheers.) Those two years had seen demands put forward by people who believed in the Socialistic theory that the country should be run on Socialistic lines, that the land should be nationalised, gthat all industry should be nationalised, and that the people should be divided into two classes, either tenants of the Crown or Civil Servants. These demands were being made by a party more numerous and better organised than tbe'majority of people in New Zealand believed, and who had been content to remain in the background .and get a little, year by year, from a Government that hoped to catch the Socialistic vote or was too weak to resist its influence. (Applause.) This was not only a question of the future, but a question of the present. It was a question to be asked the electors next election,; and it was for them to say whether a man in this country should be allowed to reap the reward of his industry, or whether by taxation and other methods he should be compelled to share the fruits of his hard labours with others less energetic or less industrious. He (Mr Massey) was not in the habit of speaking soft platitudes or of endeavouring to arouse needless alarm, and he would not speak as he did if he did not think the danger was real. He thonght it was very real, and he asked the people of the country to take the roll of Parliament and see how many members who were included in the Government party would stand up against the Socialistic theory or be prepared to accept it rather than give up the position they held at the present time. (Applause.) He was perfectly certain the result would be a revelation to the inquirer. (Applause.) He asked the people to read the reports of the conference held in Wellington, composed of representatives of the Socialistic theories, single tax theories, and their kindred organisations, who resolved to come together and do all they possibly could to return members at next election. (A voice: You will put them down.) He sincerely hoped he would. Was it not time the Opposition party banded together and prepared for the coming struggle against the forces allied against them? , (Applause.) There must be no compromise, no splittnig of the difference, no running with the hare and hunting with the bounds, but every member and every candidate at next election should be compelled to ; express clearly his views, and then the responsibility would rest with the electors of saying whether the present state of affairs should he allowed to continue, with full scope for the energy and enterprise of the individual or if a state of things r should be permitted that would cripple industry and handicap enterprise. . . He wanted this country to become what it was intended to be, one of the fairest and freest on God’s earth, where there should bo no extremes of wealth or poverty, where the man who had energy and ability would be given the opportunity of coming to the front—( applause )—a country where, as time went on, there would be more education, more enlightenment, and more real happiness than in any other country on this planet, a country whose people would have realised their duty, and be doing it to their Creator and themselves. (Oheers.) But if they were to advance as they should, it would not be by canting. Socialistic methods, but by honest methods, and by desire on the part of each individual to do his duty.” (Applause.)

WE rejoice to notice the expressed determination to have no compromise. We have frequently pointed out the desirability of the Opposition adhering strictly to its principles until a majortiy of the electors are convinced of their truth and justice. A party which compromises may manage to continue in office for a time, or to gain office, but it can effect little benefit to the people. On the subject of compromise Mr P. W. Lang, M. P., speaking at the gathering, made some telling remarks. He asked those present if they cbuld tell him the Government policy. (A voice ; “ Shuffling. ”) If they asked a member of the Government, that member would take an hour to tell them, and they would be no nearer knowing it at the end than at the commencement. He (Mr Lang) could give them the Government policy in one word—“ Compromise.” In the first place, there were Ministers who believed in leasehold, and leasehold only; they said they were going to stand for all by that leasehold principle, but they had not the courage of their opinions and they “split the difference. ” Then, take the Gaming Act. One section of the community wanted to put down gambling, and another section wanted to gamble, so the Government “split the difference” fco r please each. (Applause.) They heard a good deal about Socialism; could anyone tell him Sir Joseph Ward’s views on the point? The Government said they were Socialists, but they were not revolutionary Socialists, “splitting the difference” again. (Laughter and applause.) Then take the." labour question. The Hon. Mr Millar was to do away with the greatest enemy Labour overbad, the agitator, but the Government “split the difference” again, and that provision was not passed into law. At one time they had statesmen who believed in one policy, and said if they could not get that policy they would walk off the plat-

form and leave the field to others, - but now the Ministers “This is our policy ; if you don’t like it, we'will alter it to please you. ” (Laughter.) They . would see that there was posal to increase the number of Ministers, on the ground that the work was too much. He asked the people to carry their memories hack to the time when the Government did away with the Railway Commissioners, and the late Mr Seddon and his Ministers said, “If we are not able to overtake the work of the country we will give place to men who can..”. If the present number of Ministers could not carry on,, let them give place to others. ( Applause. ) There were eight Ministers now, and he'’would guarantee to pick six from the opposition who would carry on a great deal better. (Loud -applause.)

THE utilisation of water power on an extended, scale has long been blocked by the action of the Government, which has hitherto refused to permit private persons to develop the power to be .obtained from our numerous rivers and waterfalls. Recently the Waihi Mining Company desired to use the Huka Falls as a source of power, but though they made » very fair offer to Government, permission was refused on the ground that it was the intention "of the State to undertake the work. As all the schemes suggested involve the expenditure of sums varying from half a million to two millions it Ids clear that Ministers had far better leave them to private enterprise instead of entering upon work which must necessarily be of a more or less speculative character. It is satisfactory to find that Sir Joseph Ward has at last realised the folly of checking the progress of the country in this direction by the dog-in-the-manger attitude hitherto adopted, and that hejproposes to have regulations gazetted stipulating the conditions under which private persons may acquire the right to utilise water power. Provided the regulations are of a liberal nature there can be no doubt that private enterprise will prove'ruore successful than Government in carrying out the work.

THE Taranaki Herald, dealing with the foolish allegation of the Premier that the Arbitration Act has>ot increased the cost of living, says it is sufficient answer that if legislation makes a baker pay higher wages for shorter hours the cost of turning out bread must be increased. Few will deny this, or that the miller’s increased wages, and the increased cost of working all the trades connected with the bakers, must add to the cost of the loaf. On the question of using the criminals to oust the Chinamen—that great scheme of an Empire-building statesman —the Herald says—“ Fancy the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand, the brightest jewel in the Empire’s crown, becoming a grower and purveyor of the ‘cabbagee,’ and ‘ lubard, ’ and the ‘ waterkless’ ’ for tne free and independent electors, with the Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, P. 0., K.0.M.G., as Minister for Market Gardens. If his vegetables are only as delicious as the idea is what a demand there will be for them! Yet Ministers are not, he declares, revolutionary Socialists, nor of any revolutionary school.’’ We may point out to our contemporary that the Premier has not yet exhausted the possibilities of t the scheme. The Celestials have also ■- laundry work to the disgust of*those who used to formerly mangle the clothes, in more senses than one, and there may yet be a Minister for Washing. It may dawn on the Ministerial mind that if the criminals can be utilised in tree planting at Waiotapu they could do service for the State in washing the clothes of the people in the hot pools of Rotorua.

NOT a week passes without the telegraph advising us of some increase in the cost of commodities, or of some action which will inevitably cause an increase in the cost of living. The 'game of "‘passing it on” is being played all round, the only classes which cannot take a band in it being the primary producers and those in receipt of fixed salaries, who, of course, will most severely feel its effects. That the Labour legislation and the Protective Tariff are having very serious effects must soon be made manifest, even to the most obtuse. This country should be one of the cheapest in the world in which to live, but these two things are making it one of the dearest. Neither of them add a single farthing 'to the wealth of the country, but tend to impoverish it by compelling the support of parasites and reducing the output of labour. Last week saw an increase in the output of coal, stated to be due “to the altered conditions of working the mines increasing tl.ie cost of production.” With grim humour the same telegram reported that since the Ministerial visit operations at the mines have proceeded smoothly. The difficulty Ministers are supposed to have surmounted appears to have been got over by .-the simple : process of giving in to the miners and passing the increased cost on to the public. Or course, there is nothing to prevent pleasant relations be tween o raployer and employed eo long as both share in the carcase of the victim.

The only effective remedy for indigestion is Pearson’s Pepto-chlor. All chemists Is, 3s 6d and 4s. Cardinal Moran visited Tamatekapu yesterday and was accorded a magnificent reception by the Maoris of the district. The Farmers’ Union Executive adopted the agreement of the conference with the shearers, with only one dissentient. Mr D. P. Buchanan, of Beaconsfield, has sold 17 Romney ewes to Mr Toswill of Ohuri, Blenheim. The same purchaser got a high priced ram from Mr G. Wheeler, of Stanway. The Railway Department circulates an inset to-day giving particulars of train arrangements for New Plymouth Band Contest and the sculling championship at jWanganui. The Chairman of-the Conciliation Board has fixed the 25th instant for Mr J. O. Cooper' and [Mr E. W. Abbott to sit with the Board and assist in drawing up the recommendation to the Arbitration Court embodying the two years’ agreement come to. Yesterday"afternoon 'the Feilding Fire Brigade was called out to extinguish a grass fire which had commenced neair the junction of Beattie street and North Road. Mr Dyne, who was one of the first on the scene, said the green toi toi clumps of grass burned very freely. The fire was soon put out, no damage having been done. In the bird-cage at the Woodville races yesterday, W. H. Mcßay, who always rides Messena’s horses, while approaching Hydraulic to mount for the County Hack race, receive a nasty kick in the stomach, and had to be carried in, W. P. Kirk being secured to ride the kicker. Dr. O’Brien pronounced McKay’s injury as painful rather than serious. • Mr Hutcheson, S.M., delivered judgment at Waimate yesterday in the case in which two bookmakers were charged with having offered to bet at Morver Sports on December 16th. The Magistrate considered the offence proved and fined defendants £1 each. The cases were .the. .first of the kind brought under the new gaming laws. The opening of the Carnival at Rotorua yesterday was an unprecedented success, fully 4000 people being present. The procession was a very unique one. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward joined in the procession. The Maoris were in strong force, all being dressed. in native costume, many of them mounted on horses. ; The Maoris gave Sir Joseph Ward a warm welcome on his arrival at the Carnival grounds. A sitting of the Aotea District Maori Land Board commenced yesterday at Wanganui.. The business of the Board is to consider the applications under section 20 of “The Maori Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1907,” and section 36 of the'same Act, the latter affecting a very considerable area under flax and timber, the cutting rights running into many thousands of pounds. The applications of Messrs Gammon and Co., Wm. Burt, Thos. Burt, and William Strand, where there are opposing interests are being heard to-day. The railway accident at Hunterville yesterday occurred on the crossing on Vinegar Hill road. Mr O. Campion was driving, but did not notice the train until he got towithin a few yards of the line, when the horse gave a tremendous leap and landed in front of the engine. The animal was killed instantly and Campion and Duncan McLean were thrown out with great force, the latter falling on the cattle stops. He received serious injuries on the head and had a severe cut on his left hand. The train was stopped, and the men were brought to Hunterville in the guard’s van, and Dr. Smith was soon in attendance. The condition of McLean was so serious that Dr. Christie was sent for, and he arrived at Hunterville from Wanganui by the evening train, McLean has not yet recovered consciousness, and he is still in a jirecarious condition. Our |Hunterville correpsondent telegraphs that Mr Duncan McLean is still unconcsioris. Doctors Christie and Smith think that is likely to occur for the next three days, when inflammation is posisble. The injuries are confined to the head and it is probable there is a fracture 'between the ear. and eye.

There was not a very large audience at Marton Opera House last night, and this must have proved rather disconcerting to the bandsmen and others who devoted considerable time in preparing for an effort to defray the band’s expenses to the contest at New Plymouth. The opening piece, a contest march, “N. 1.8. B.N.by the band was well received, and sliovred that the band were “thoroughly acquainted with their piece. Mr Mace Walters, in character, contributed the comic song “Whistling Ooon,” and was recalled. The test selection,“William Tell,’’ by the band, was then given, but the piece is classical and did hot find that favour with the audience that a more popular piece would have done. Mr A. Train’s rendering of the song (illustrated) “Queen of the Earth, ’ ’ won for him a recall. Mr T. O’Donnell was happy in his rendering of “Please, Mr Conductor,” illustrated, and thoroughly won his encore. Orozier’s orchestra gave a brilliant rendering of “Baliisirenew,” and the voices of Mr, Mrs, and Miss Holdaway and A. K. McGregor blended nicely in the quartette, “Come- Fairy Elves. ” Miss Doris Holdaway played the accompaniment sympathetically. The cornet solo “The Lost Chord,” by Bandsman TrOwnson, was a fine instrumental number, and was. well received. Easily the gem of the evening was Mr Meek’s comic song “Meet Me at St. Louis.” He was brought back twice, and should prove a decided acquisition to the ranks of Marton vocalists. The second test selection “ Gems of Schnman, ’’ terminated the programme. No one need suffer from indigestion. Take Pearson’s Pepto-chlor. All chemists Is, 2s 6d and 4s. IN KEEN DEMAND. Every month sh ows an increasing demand for “SUOROSINE.” It is appreciated by horses and all classes of stock, because it is easily digested and assimilated by the system, and on account of its flavour, palatability, and general wholesomeness. Obtainable from Brice, Broad & Co., Ltd., Marton. The hum and bustle of the end of season clearing sales are now on. You don’t need a lot of money to get a parcel a Neal’s Clothing sale, Feilding. Prices are cut down to Zero. Be there at the start,-the sale is now in full swing. Carriage paid by coach, rail-or post, on parcels over 20s. Orders by post will be attended to same day.