The Daily News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1915. OURSELVES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 175, 2 January 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1915. OURSELVES.

In all the affairs of life there is no such thing as standing still. One must either progress or retrogress, and according to which of these two courses is adopted so will we be either a help or a hindrance in the general scheme of mundane affairs. It is frequently remarked in connection with some department of business or administration that it lias got into a rut, and we all know what that means. It is like a choked watercourse when the forces of nature, unable to find an outlet, is diverted to some other channel, causing harm instead of doing good. In no branch of enterprise is progress so essential as in the dissemination of news, and the advocacy of all that is helpful to the community. The Press of New' Zealand has received many tributes of praise from outside sources of high standing, and without claiming any share of the eulogies, we can honestly feel gratilied that these independent and voluntary criticisms are in the main justified, but the real credit must be given to th« people of the Dominion for demanding the best that can be obtained and not being content with less. At the same time, these high opinions have a stimulating effect on those who are responsible for the contents of the leading papers in the cities and larger towns, while even the journals issued in the country districts, when not obsessed by the besetting evil of parochialism, are distinctly creditable and useful to their respective communities. It is as to our own venture that we propose to address a few words to our readers. The present proprietor has for the last nine years been actuated by the desire to make the Daily News a thoroughly provincial journal. In that time the progress, prosperity and general development of Taranaki has taken" remarkable strides. To serve such a large district with a morning paper means entering upon an undertaking of considerable proportions. The demand for a morning paper has always been insistent throughout the province, and though it has entailed dilliculty and expense, tho object has been attained, if not completely, then ag near thereto as present circumstances will permit. The attainment of the desired object has been greatly facilitated by the ever-growing support rendered to us during the past nine years, the result of which is demonstrated by an enormously increased circulation. For this, and for the many evidences of good-will towards the "Daily News," we desire to express hearty thanks and high appreciation. Much yet remains to be done ere all arrangements are in such a complete state as to satisfy the proprietary, but there will be no standing still. Progress is our watchword just as it is the moving spring of the province. Elsewhere in this issue will be found some details as to our scheme of provincial delivery, that has been in process of development during the past four months, and it is with every confidence in the support of the residents throughout Taranaki that the Daily News will enter upon its enlarged sphere of utility, nor shall we rest satisfied until this paper finds its way into every home in Taranaki. MEN IN THE MAKING. There is hardly any subject which demands such close attention as that of the training of hoys, and any contribution that is helpful and practical should be warmly welcomed. What our boys are to-day so will the manhood of the nation be in the future. The very life and existence, of a nation depends upon the success or otherwise of the training which the boys undergo during their progress towards manhood. At the recent prize-giving ceremony in connection with the Auckland Grammar School, (he headmaster, Mr. J. W. Tibbs, made some pertinent remarks on the training for manhood. This is by no means the first occasion on which Mr. Tibbs lias expressed his views on this question, and | by persistently drawing attention to the subject some at least of his sapient conclusion- may take root and be productive of ben. (it to the future of the Dominion. The existence of tho war naturally had its effect in directing Mr. Tibbs' remarks towards an aspect of the question that is somewhat prone to be overlooked, though it has a must important bearing on the virility of the younger generation. While strongly denouncing the tendency to pampering boys, which he finds much in evidence, he emphasised the necessity for thrift, and the encouragement to endure hardness so that (hey may be endowed with that grit which has stood the Empire in good stead in the past, and is to-day saving it in Flanders and ,in the North Sea. There is no question that Mr. Tibbs' contention brings home one of the many weak spots in the present day treatment of li'iys. Of course he is more particularly referring to the class of youths attending the Grammar School, but his remarks apply more or less generally to boys of all classes. The tendency to pamper children is one that should be rigorously cheeked, as it produces extravagant and wasteful habits, ruins their constitutions, and seriously affects their character. In the cities especially is

imlr.lg.".Mv in existcm-. and far too little grit. Too lit tic attention is given to fitting boys fc.r a strenuous life. Instead of walking to and from schoV tliey ride aTjiS, or spend far more time in

catching a pony than it would take to walk to their destination. It may be thought that there is not much in such matters to affect the future of our boys, but they are details that have a bearing on national life. Current events show only too plainly tisat we cannot afford to allow any unhealthy influences to affect the future of the nation. Boys must learn to be self-reliant, thrifty, energetic and healthy in mind and body. New Zealand can boast of splendid material for providing ideal men. This makes it all the more imperative that the process of manhood training should be on the right lines so that our sons may not only be equal to, but may exceed in virility the best specimens in the Homeland. Germany has attained her present position as a great military Tower by the care that' she has i.akcii over the training of Iter youths and young men, physically and intellectually. There may lie much to avoid in Germany's system, but there are certainly some points that can be learned from her system. The Empire needs the best that can be attained in manhood in order to maintain its trade, commerce and defence. Parents have it in their power to render most material aid in this direction by bringing up their children in the proper way. School influence is also a potent factor, but is powerless when counteracted by home influence. Britain is no longer a "nation of shopkeepers," but is a protector of the weak, and to do this work effectually her sons must be, strong and fit, ana the growing manhood of the overseas dominions should be In <rio van of human progress.