CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 269, 23 April 1915, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

POLITICS—LOCAL AND OTHERWISE. To the Editor. Sir,—The present state of politics in the Dominion is a matter that .exercises the-minds'df-not a few, but I'll warrant the biggest number do -not trouble their heads one jot. At the same time it behoves those -who may 'have'the interest of their country at heart to do something towards arousing the electors from the apathetic attitude they have 'been drifting into for a good many years. As you ha-ve remarked in past articles, the party system as it obtains in this country is the drawback to real advancement, and until the people Tceogriise that they arp paying mighty dearly for their government, and until they wake up to the 'knowledge that they "have it in. their own hands as to whether the party system is to continue or not, I suppose we shall go on in the same old way. I noticed a telegram a little while ago that a "branch of the 'Farmers' tFnion iavored the -elective executive, :and am wondering if it would be in favor of the natural corollary—referendum. There is not the slightest doubt that the adoption of the principles of the elective executive, the referendum and other up-to-date proposals would create a revolution for the good of the whole country, hecause of lessened, expense in all ways. Why shuld we keep 80 members when ■3O would do? Why should enormous sums be spent in haggling over policy measures under party? "Why shouldn't the people have the opportunity of considering before being passed by Parliament all measures that affect the whole? It has often been remarked in your columns that "this is a, grand country"— aye, Dut the people "n it are rum 'uns! They let their legislative body be run on the hundred-year-old system, yet the same body tries to give effect to the people's wish of "by the people, for the people." In the shape of local government bodies such as harbor boards, education boards, school committees, county councils and the like—why do the people not take in hand a re-habitation of the main body? But, no; the apathetic attitude shown towards their local bodies is extended to the main legislative body, with the exception of a little flutter during election time. They seem content to let the few take all the interest and the action, and as the consequence we have what may he termed government by. cliques for the cliques —a state of affairs that has brought Germany to the present pass. And the people grumble, growl and pay; and, of course, through their apathy in not keeping a gTasp on matters affecting them, are at the mercy of any clap-trap politician at all times, whether it be for local affairs or those of the main issue. The proposals that may be brought down by a borough council to improve one end of a town cause trouble through some with the gift of the gab and an axe to grind raising objections, and as a consequence the welfare of the whole town may probably suffer. -It is never recog'lii.ed, until, after a lot of time and money is wasted, that what improves a par|. of a city inxprpves the whole, and in that respect a radical change is urgently needed. The same applies to county councils and to the liarbor. We have in Taranaki a strong evidence of how certain interests in the southern end are fighting against the advancement of the whole by not supporting the saltwater port -whole-heartedly. The people —all too willing to take hod of the "string-puller"—are payinf nnl will pay dearly if they do not wake up and take more interest. Then we have the round-tlie-mountain railway: it would be interesting to know how much "pull" is being exercised towards the delay of ench; and the people, careless beggaTs they he, let one clique boss the other clique and suffer themselves by payingl Yes, I'll affirm that saying, "It's a" grand countryl" We have placed in the hands of the people the management practically of things educational for their district per school committees, hut as time dwindles on, first one and then the other power Is filched from them, and they growl because of it, forgetting their apathetic attitude has caused the bringing about of such a state; forgetting also that instead of losing their 'grip they could have strengthened it had they hcen alive to what they held in their hands, However, it is time something was done to wake the people up to the importance of a radical change both in local government and through Parliament. Hope I'm not trespassing, Mr. Editor, but I'd like to do my little bit towards the waking.—l am, eftc, JOE B. SIMPSON. Durham Road. PROPOSED FREEZING WORKS.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—ln yours of the 21st instant appears a report of a meeting of delegates held at Inglewood regarding above. Amongst the various gentlemen's names I noticed that of Mr. Newton King, Sew Plymouth. , How 'is it some places have two or three delegates and New Plymouth only one? "When was a meeting held in New Plymouth for the purpose of soliciting shares? I reckon the whole thing is being bungle* tor the want of systematic canvassing. Hoping some abler pen than mine will stir the matter up.—l am, etc., WELL WISHER. (To the Editor.) • Sir,—May I point out to the powers that be that they have apparently overlooked calling a meeting in New Plymouth ? ,It is of vital importance to the citizens of this town to see this proposition , carried to a success'ul is- ' erne. Every property-owner, business man-and resident ought to pull together with the object of helping along 'the freezing works, as it lis bound to spell advancement, not only to the district and port, but the town as well. I feel sure an-appeal for shares will not be in vain 'to the progressivites in this town.—l ram, etc. D.J.fT.