THE WHAREAMA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9045, 3 February 1908, Page 4

THE WHAREAMA.

Apropos of the proposed fishing industry and seaside resort at the mouth of the Whareama River, which we recently discussed in several-lead-ing articles, it is interesting to note that Mr J. T. M. Hornsbv, M.P., has received a satisfactory letter from the |Minister for Marine. The letter, through the courtesy of the member for Wairarapa, is published elsewhere, and it will be noticed that the Minister states that "inquiries are being made as to the position regarding the matter, and as to what can be done to provide access." Whatever the position may be there is r.o coubt that access can be provided, and land set apart'.for a seaside resort. The Government is all powerful —the question really is, can the Government be moved to take action? Mr Hornsby in a private letter informs us that he has had several letters, since his letter appeared in the "Wairarapa Age," from those who know, stating that .the Whareama River might be made a delightful seaside resort. Mr Hornsby, also, assures us that he will help the movement in any way that he can, and pertinently ask?, "why aren't the people h Masterton moving?" We trust that at the next meeting of the Masterton Chamber of Commerce a vigorously worded motion supporting the proposals will be car.ied. If his Worship the Mayor of Masterton were to call a public meeting in connection with the same questions some progress towards successful finality might be made.

The present Go"ernmenfc appears to be remarkably good at small things. The Hon. R. McNab was recently asked whether he thought the visit to London of Messrs Cuddy (Dairy Commissioner) and Reakes (Assistant Chief Veterinarian) was calculated to improve the standard of our produce in the markets of Great Britain, and he replied, "Yes, enormously." In other words, the visit to London of the officials mentioned is going to enormously benefit the Dominion. "Enormously" is not a very '.ong word, but, rightly used, it means a very great deal. Messrs Cuddy and Reakes. the Minister explained, are the pioneers of a policy of having men, who have had New Zealand experience, and know intimately our grading and inspection, and who. at the other end of the world, can, in their mind's eye, reproduce that grading and inspection. We have no doubt, we may remark, that it was in the interests of the Dominion that the voyage referred to should be undertaken. We, however, doubt the enormous benefits that it is asserted will accrue as a result of the new policy. We wish that Mr McNab, together with his colleagues, would turn his attention to works *hat would really be of enormous benefit to the country at large, if properly carried out. We refer to such questions as the settlement of a few of the millions of acres of waste Crown lands, and the construction of a few of the numerous linos of railway that are so urgently needed.

Very gently, indeed, it is dawning upon the educational authorities ot" New Zealand that it is possible to make various improvements in the several systems of education in the Dominion. The University Senate has arrived at the decision that, while mathematics should be a compulsory scientific subject in connection with qualifying for the B.A. degree, Parliament should be asked to establish another degree, viz., Bachelor of Literature, a distinction to be equal in standard, and somewhat similar to the B.A. degree, and in the taking of which mathematics will not be a compulsory subject. Had the Senate, years ago, taken the step, which they have just decided upon, it is safe to 3ay that literature would have been further, advanced in this country than it is to-day. However, "better late than never," as we believe that the establishing of such a degree will, in the course of lime, result in a considerable improve-1 ment in New Zealand literature.

The other day, Sir Robert Stout ieplored the lack of patriotism manifested among wealthy New Zealanders when "shufning off this mortal coil, "' and instanced how patriotic; ally many Americans bequeathed large sums to the cause of education. Sir Robert appeared to be unable to understand the reason why there is so great a dearth of patriotic educationalists among the wealthy, but surely one has not to seek far to find it. Are our politicians patriotic? They may "love the Motherland." and believe in Imperialism, but how much

patriotism for New Zealand is displayed by them? To what extent do they attempt to develop love of country in the hearts of the people? The constitution of Parliament and its actions are a sufficient answer. It is impossible to reap a harvest without sowing seed. Patriotism does not fall down from the skies like the manna of old fell into the laps of the Israelites. Like every other good quality, it has to he developed, and that development involves both individual and national sacrifices. If the makers and leaders of public opinion are patriotic there need be no fear as to every class in the community doing their duty by their cpuntry.

The Hon.W. Hali-Jones, who returned safe and sound to Wellington, on Saturday last, and who feels so well that he will have no hesitation in resuming his Ministerial duties, will be congratulated by everyone on his restoration to health. Mr Hall-Jones is greatly esteemed by his uwn party, respected by those who are opposed to him in politics, and popular with both parties. It was feared when he left on the health-recruiting trip that he had seriously injured his health in the discharge of his duties, but such, most happiiy, appears not to be the case. The warmth of the feeling of the people for him must give Mr Hall-Jones, unostentatious as he is, no small measure of gratification, and convince him that his poli tical labours are appreciated.