TOPICS OF THE DAY

Exactor what constitutes "temporary" accommodation f The division of railway traffic between two stations a/id the congestion at Thorndon have been tolerated for years because the arrangement is "temporary," pending the erection of a commodious new station. But how long are Wellington people to waitf About ten years ago an official assurance was given that the new station would be commenced in six months (from that date). At a Chamber of Commerce meeting this week the opinion was expressed that there 'would be no new.station in five years. The more time elapses the further away does the new station recede. In five years' iime shall be we looking optimistically for a beginning in twenty years? Of course the Bailway authorities will say that the whole plans have been altered, involving reclamation and delay. Under these eircumstanees the "temporary" excuse no longer holds good. If we are to wait five years for the new station some improvement must certainly be made to tide over that time. The terminal facilities at present are a heavy handicap to the railways (particularly in providing for suburban traffic) and a great inconvenience to passengers. What will they be in a year or two! • " ». • "We Don't Know Where We Are" is the heading to an article in the "New' Zealand Baker," official organ of the trade, discussing the wheat and flour problem; and that about describes the position,.of the consumer. The Labour Party statement on the wheat and flour position appeared in "The Post" last evening, putting the case for the consumer clearly and temperately. It was criticism, but constructive criticism, for a remedy was. suggested. It endorsed the Government policy of self-reliance. That . policy we have always endorsed, with the proviso that it must be made effective at a reasonable price. What is feared, and there is cause for fear, as the "New Zealand Baker" points out, is that bread will be dearer by Id per four-pound loaf if the price of' flour is increased by £2 10s per ton. The opinion of the bakery trade is that such - increase should be avoided, and it is suggested that the duty on wheat should be removed. It was removed or suspended in the ease of fowl iwheat in order to help the poultry farmer, and it seems reasonable to do so in the case of the human consumer. Why not, if the wheat grower cannot produce more than half' oar requirements with duty and ocean freight protecting him against outside competition! Bo far as the Labour Party's support of the proposal to have the whole position investigated by an independent commission is concerned, that should be endorsed by every interest—wheat grower, miller, baker, and consumer. • • •■■.-•■' ■ '■ ' ■ It is satisfactory to have Councillor H. D. Bennett's assurance that the faulty paving is not extensive; but the Council's method Of dealing with complaints and questions does not inspire confidence.' We are told now that the whole of the top course of the lefthand side of the Thorndon road was an experiment; also that ther* h*v» been differences with the Main Highways Board as to the composition of the preparation. The public is entitled to know upon whose authority the experiment was made. Presumably Wellington ratepayers, whoever gave the authority, must bear the cost. It if evident from the discussion last night that the City Councillors as a body have not been consulted. "As a Council we are not in possession of the facts," said Councillor Hoggins. Individual councillors gave their opinions as to the cause of the trouble. But these opinions were not official. Citisens should not be treated in this offhand way. They should be told plainly and authoritatively why the trouble has occurred, and what steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence. An official statement by the Mayor, supported \ by reports from the responsible technical officers, should be made. An individual Council's method of dealing with comand, while his opinion may be worthy of all respect, it cannot be accepted as a substitute for the official explanation which is certainly called for. * • • The tone of Mr. Coates's reference at Palmerston to peace and preparedness was above reproach to all except the -purblind pacifist who would fling away his arms in the midst of an armed camp. The Prime Minister vouched for New Zealand's help, in bringing about a better understanding with the nations, but he made it dear at the same time that he considered a N»vy a necessity pending the perfection of mean* for peaceful settlement of disputes. Believing the Navy to be a necessity, he expressed the view also that New Zealand should accept a greater responsibility for naval security. This is in line with Mr. Coatee's earlier references to tbe subject, bat is more emphatic and definite. In previous speeches he has qualified hfa declaration with the statement that New Zealand most help the Motherland also by expediting development so that surplus population may t*> absorbed.

Without doubt both methods of assisting Britain should be taken; but, to our mind, direct assistance for the Navy ia ' more urgently required than the indirect aid of migration measures, and for this reason: it will strengthen the hands of the statesmen who arc striving to prevent the Navy being cut^ to the bone. These statesmen have a doubly difficult task. They must meet the strong arguments for economy, and they must also face the objection that; the Dominions, while demanding a full share of naval protection, do not back their demands with offers of adequate help. Settlement schemes will ciertainly help Britain, but money spent upon such schemes does not give a firm pledge--of our sincerity in supporting the Navy. Direct naval expenditure does.