TOPICAL READING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9099, 27 May 1908, Page 4

TOPICAL READING.

I THE WOODVILLE SHOW".^^ The annual report of the Bash Districts A. and P. Association does not record that the last show was a complete success, although there was some cause for congratulation. The report states that "the exhibits were considerably smaller in point of numbers than they have been for some years, nor was the attendance as good, but, on the other hand, the introduction of the school children's work was very favourably received, and promises to be a great success in future shows." The Association has increased its overdraft by £26 10s, and the unpaid-up members' are a Source of nuisance. It seems that th;: great difficulty of the Association has always been unpaid subscriptions, and appears likely to remain so, according to the report. TOO DEAR! A few weeks ago a party of farmers from the South Coast of New South Wales visited New Zealand in search of land for themselves. They also had commissions from other farmers in their pockets. They have r.ow returned to Sydney much disappointed with the r experience. Briftf as was f .heir sojourn, it was sufficient to show them that suitable land could not be obtained in ths Dominion at a reasonable price. The difficulties in this regard were not small i:i New South Wales, but here in New Zealand they found them in a more aggravated form. '"Cnes'p land!" "Cheap land!" is what the people are crying for, but the Government of this Dominion is turning a deaf car to these demands. The cry has been v/afted across the waters and the governments of the Australian States are heeding the cry. Queensland already has agents in New Zealand giving information as to her resources. Other States intend to follow suit and the feeling prevails in Austraila to-day that there will be a considerable exodus of land-seekers from the Dominion to the island continent before long. RUSSIA AND FINLAND. Judging by the cables during the nast few clays the relations between Russia and Finland are becoming very strained. Though nominally under the rule and government of the C;;.ir, Finland is the most independent country in the Russian Empire.) She has complete legislative independence, an army free from Imperial control, judges who are not removable save by tiie Finnish Parliament, manhood and womanhood suffrage—in fact she has all that the rest of Russia lias not. The contrast is certainly striking, but, unfortunately, the Finns have evidently lost their heads and have got astride of the high horse. They would appear to have forgotten that Russia is still their master, and have passed some exceptionally radical legislation, and,

worst of all, Finland has become the happy hunting ground for all the rnalcontents, revolutionaries, and con-spiracy-hatchers of the Empire. In the.circumstances it was plainly to be seen that it was only a matter of time when Russia would assert herself. That time has apparently now arrive.!, for M. ■ Stolypin, the Premier of Russia, speaking in the Duma said that legislation would be introduced to place Finland's relations with Russia on a more national basis. Her autonomous rights are to be conserved, however, and she is to be consulted as to the form of the intended legislation, but any Imperial interests which are at present in jeopardy must be secured. The Finnish Senate has taken exception to this and has resigned. Future developments will be watched with interest.