SOUND ADVICE.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18486, 14 September 1925, Page 6

SOUND ADVICE.

LOCAL NEEDS AND

POLITICS.

A MARLBOROUGH OPINION

In an editorial on Thursday last,--under the heading: "Checking a Poli-tical-Tendency," the "Marlborough Express" refers to our recent criticisms of the tone and tendency of some of tho Progress League's reports. Tho "Express'' says: — "\ discussion that has been appearing "in the columns of the Chnstchurch 'i-ress' regarding tho argumentative methods of the Canterbury progress League has a close interest for the Marlborough people A few days ago 'The Press' criticised the tone- of the organiser's latest reports, which, it observed, betrayed tho development of a political bias. In one report to tho JSxecutive, according to tho editorial reading the League's organiser suggested that 'tho Government is guilty c*f bad faith in its dealings with Canterbury, that it gives an unjust preference to Auckland, and that itis chief concern is to find untenable excuses for not doing anything to satisfy the legitimate, requirements of this province. In another report on another subject the same tone and temper are* voir apparent.' The paper praised the Leaguo for tho useful work it had done, and supported the policy of agitating'vigorously for the satisfaction of Canterbury's legitimate needs, but warned it to keep clear of 'the polemical methods adopted 4>y the partisian enemies of the Government.' In the course of a reply to this criticism, Mr J. H. Blackwell, tho president of the League, declared that the League, as an organisation, knew no political party; but.: Where unconscionable delays are taking place in effecting long-promised improvements vital to the progress of Canterbury, this League must, and will, make emphatic protest. Shbuld it fail to do so, its usefulness will havo ended.' To thjs way of putting the position, of course, 'The Press' could take no exception, but tho president's, letter did not fully satisfy it as a di*» claimer, and it felt constrained to repeat its warning, pointing out that the usefulness of the League could 'come,to an end just as easily through using the accents of the Government's enemies as through feebleness and inaction.' Without concerning ourselves as to tho amount of justification for the apprehensiveness shown by 'The Press,' we welcome this plea to maintain a strict impartiality in the political sense. We do so not only because Marlborough, and, indeed, all parts of the South Island, are concerned to see the integrity and efficiency of Canterbury's leadership preserved, for their own sake, but also because there have been some signs locally of a disposition to get off the right track. We may refer to the suggestion made by a member of our own Progress League that Marlborough should start to think about political action' in connexion with the agitation for the completion of tho South Island Main Trunk line and invite Canterbury to co-operate in such a movement!: That would be a false policy, and we strongly deprecate the idea. The advice proffered!by the Christehurch, Tress 5 is thoroughly sound, and we trust that ita reproduce tion will have a salutary effect in this district."