PRESS OPINIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 25 August 1913, Page 4

PRESS OPINIONS.

We have no more liking than the Lyttelton Times for tho gambling evil, but we are unable to see what would be gained by doing away with the totalisator.—Southland Times.

Were we certain that the handing over of the Civil Service to the tender mercies of a so-called "non-politi-cal" board would result in a substantial reduction in the annual cost of the service, accompanied by an increase in efficiency, we should not grumble; but we are by no moans sure that such will be the final outcome of the new departure. In the meantime, it seems to us, as it will seem, we are of opinion, to many of our readers, that the clerical .and other assistanoe granted tb or insisted upon by the three "bosses" has been established upon an absurdly extravagant basis. —Marlborough Express.

There is no escape from the truth that extravagant methods, of government mean heavy taxation, while- falls! chiefly on the workers. The Maasey Government declare that they will eliminate waste; the countrywill be pleased to see proof, in good time. It is too isoon to judge a Government who are not far past the beginning of their programme of administrative reform .—Hawera Star.

The "Reformers," having gained office by representing themselves as angels of light, whose mission it was to drive out the powers, of darkness, are now adopting the very methods which they once charged so vehemently against their opponents. —Auckland Star.

We trust that the time is coming when :t will be possible to further develop the resources of the country by considerable increases in the amounts allocated for railway construction, and it should certainly be laid down as a definite policy that where communication is most required lines should be available, even if all the money hag to be devoted to one island. This cry of North v. South has already; done too much mischief in New Zealand.—Southland .News.