THE VIRTUE OF CLAMOUR.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9033, 26 February 1908, Page 4

THE VIRTUE OF CLAMOUR.

It is to be hoped that the Masterton Chamber of Commerce, at its meeting, on Friday next, will take step's to press upon the Government the importance to this district of acquiring the lea Station for closer settlement. Very little is to be expected from the Government in respect nf any matter in which indifference or lukewarmness is manifested. The late Mr Seddon used frequently to tell his audiences that if they wished to get the Government to undertake a thing they must clamour for it. The reason for offering this advicu was, of course, that Ministerial acquiescence might appear to have public opinion behind it. "When I want a, thing," said the late Premier upon one occasion, when addressing his constituents, "I never leave off until I get it. That is the way I have succeeded; and you must keep on urging until you get what you want." The fact is in Mastcrton the people do not make their voices heard with sufficient frequency or vigour. To be unheard is to be ignored. The clamourous districts receive, the silent ones get little or nothing. Therefore it is that the Chamber of Commerce, which is established tor the furtherance of the district's progress and prosperity, should make itself heard in the matter of State purchase of large holdings for closer settlement in the Masterton district and its neighbourhood. There never was a more opportune time than the present for the acquisition of the lea Estate, and we trust the Chamber of Commerce will bring its weight to bear upon the subject at its meeting on Friday.