The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1926. A MEDIEVAL PROPOSAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1926, Page 8

The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1926. A MEDIEVAL PROPOSAL.

In his announcement to the Parliament of New South Wales that he proposed to make up a portion of the deficiency of a million and a quarter sterling which Labour rule has cost that State in its last financial year by means of a “publication tax,” the Premier (Mr. J. T. Lang) refused to divulge what the details of his proposal were. It is fairly well known, however, that a tax upon newspapers is a fundamental element in the proposal. That such a doctrine of reaction should be seriously proposed by the party which claims to be the expression of democracy in polities is astounding. It is an indication of how great a use is made of political cant and hyprocrisy as weapons wherewith Labour may attain office. The proposal for a newspaper tax is not merely reactionary; it is archaic. It was so far back as 1712 that the English Stamp Act was passed in the interests of despotism and class rule, and in order to check the emancipation which was then leavening the whole of the English Press, both newspapers and pamphlets. So drastic were the taxes which the Act imposed that most of the smaller publications were wiped out of existence. Some of the larger papers survived, and the battle for freedom of the Press was maintained. It took nearly 150 years, however, before the tide of advancing knowledge and freedom swept away the barriers which despotism had erected. As a result the cheaper Press improved and flourished, until it became, as it is to-day, the recognised and effectual champion of enlightened freedom. Fortunately for the good name of his State, there are indications that Mr. Lang’s Budget proposals have proved more than even his own followers can stand. The Minister of Lands (Mr. P. F. Loughlin) has resigned his portfolio, and threatens to take with him sufficient members of the party to defeat the Government. Its majority has been a slender one since it took office. This has not prevented the Premier from attempting to tear up the constitution of the State by abolishing the Legislative Council because it refused to do his bidding, nor to request the removal of a Governor who was equally unwilling to be a tool of a party. The committee, which inquired into the recent allegations made by a “hanger on” of the Labour Ministry that Mr. Lang’s political opponents were prepared to use bribery to eject him from office must have made bitter reading for the Premier. It was presided over by a member of the Labour Party, and its finding was a scathing indictment of the manner in which an idle rumour had been treated by Mr. Lang as a substantial charge against an opponent. It is no wonder the party is restive under such a leader, and that some members of it welcome the opportunity which his medieval legislative proposal has afforded them of breaking their political chains.

SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS. It m an excellent testimony to the manner in which primary school teachers throughout Taranaki regard their important duties that nearly 300 of them should have indicated their intention of attending the refresher course which is to be held in New Plymouth during the summer vacation. A syllabus, covering a wide range of subjects, has been arranged, and topics such as nervous development of the child, education and mental development, pschology of certain subjects, etc., indicate that the course is to be one of a high standard. At the same time arrangements made for addresses upon the actual work of teaching such subjects as history and civics, drawing, singing, and even Maori handicraft, show that the practical side of the teacher’s work is not to be neglected. The classes of work have been grouped, and men and women prominent in educational and child welfare circles have been asked to lecture and generally assist in the course. The classes for advanced teachers will include discussions on the mental measurements and standard tests and the instruction of non-academic pupils, in regard to which tho progressive policy of the Taranaki Education Board and its staff has created considerable interest in educational circles throughout the Dominion. The faet that lhe teachers are coming in such large numbers, and at their own expense, to benefit by this special training is proof of their keenness to learn new methode and tho best form of application of those already existing. The course will permit of frank discussion with experts of difficulties which arise in varying circumstances, and will, moreover, enable teachers throughout tho province to know each other personally, thus assisting the esprit de corps, which is so great an advantage for any profession to have manifested by its members.