PRESS OPINIONS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 28 August 1913, Page 4

PRESS OPINIONS.

We have no sympathy with mere party "heckling" of the Government, but it is the right and duty of the Opposition to criticise freely and demand the production of the most detailed information when new departures axe made or items of doubtful accuracy or authority appear on the Estimates. Such a right was freely exercised by the members of the present Ministry, when they occupied seats on the Opposition benches, and they must not complain when such alert and watchful critics as Mr Russell ask awkward questions.—Marlborough Express.

There is a growing realisation of the fact that the - greatest security of the-Empire from aggression is not to be.obtained from small -and scattered fleets, and the British government has given a plain indication of ite preference for the form of. overseas assistance in naval defence with which Sir Jbseph Ward's 'policy has always been identified. —-Nelson Colonist.'

Nobody who knows the country and the whole circumstanoes oan deny that the North Island Eajt Coast I!runk railway deserves liberal treatment, and this cannot be given unless Ministers resist undue pressure from the South. As an Administration that is above patronage, direct or indirect, the Massey Government's duty is obvious. —Wellington Post.

The energetic administration and extension of the workers' dwellings scheme and the extension of the Old Age Pensions Act afford aa answer to the charge "reactionary" which is still trotted out against the Government occasionally when other charges fail, or when oppenente are too tired to make complaints in support of which some evidence inigjht. be ad-, duced.—Timara Herald.