THE LACK OF PATRIOTISM.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10882, 27 June 1899, Page 4

THE LACK OF PATRIOTISM.

The Bishop of' Wellington, in the sermon on patriotism reported by our special correspondent, "touched upon* a subject -which is well worthy of serious consideration. We refer to iris remarks insisting on its being a Christian duty on the part of every colonist to take a "real interest in the government of the country, and, if necessary, to make personal sacrifices in the discharge of his civic duties. There is far too much apathy, and ever too much of personal selfishness, in regard to politics in New Zealand". There are plenty of people ready to complain of the administration of our affairs, of the defects in our legislation, .and of the need of improving the stamp of men whom we send to represent us in Parliament. There are comparatively few, however, who will take any practical steps to help to bring 'about a better condition of things. Many of those who grumble most will not even take the trouble to.go to ihe polling booth on election day. Those who will make any personal sacrifice to assist in educating the people, or in organising the electors, are nearly always comprised in a small band of workers, who, as a rule, fortunately make up in zeal and earnestness in some measure fox their paucity of numbers- Unless some trade interest is threatened, it is extremely difficult fco get any monetary assistance towards the necessary cost of carrying on a political campaign. What ismoefc disheartening of aH, however, to those who want to see government ia: New Zealand raised to a higher level, is the lack of good candidates—men of standing and of ability, who are content to make tße sacrifices which a political career in this colony "usually entails on those who do not belong to .the carpet-bagger class. There are some cases, we admit, in which it would be unfair to ask-a man to make the necessary sacrifice. A citizen's first duty is undoubtedly to those of his own household, and where a msa'tT business is in such a condition that he has to put all his energy into it to keep it going, we cannot expect him to go into politics, witti the possibility that the end may be commercial ruin so far as he.himself is concenjed. But are we, as New Zealanders, to make,no sacrifices on behalf of our country? Ate we to set up mere money-grubbing as the end and aim of every man's existence? Are we to Uave the >(fesJanie3 of this fair land in the bands of men dependent on the emolument of a member of Parliament as a means of livelihood, and who, in many cases, go into the careex. as a means of self-glorification,, or even of sell-aggrandisement? If so, we shall live to bitterly roe the day, even if we measure the results by the most sordid test. Those who are intent merely on their own com-

mercial interests will .find tfcn* whether a country <. is* well or iU J governed, whether taxation is heavy' or ligiht, wUThave a iffopt material effect upon their personal fortunes. t But we hope.that higher viowa will prevail. 1 We hope,that every.'man who takes a pride in bis country will be prepared to. make i sacrifices in order to ensure for it the blessings of good government and. a prosperous future. That we hold to be the duty of a trae patriot; and as the Bishop of Wellington has reminded as, it isako tW'duty of a trae Christian. *■ ■"^■.v" i^K s >*'" ,