POLITICAL OBITER DICTA

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20983, 11 October 1933, Page 7

POLITICAL OBITER DICTA

TO THE EDITOR or THE PJUSS®Sir.—"S.M." is quite correct in saying that I differ from him in the great question of "what are we going to do about it?'' And I ask, "What does he think he can do about it?" Our little bubblinss in "The Press'' of late have not even stirred up one other voice Xor 01 against the ones who

sit in high places. Silence complete and utter is our portion, and his vaunted oower of the press has not even sufficient kick to cause others to take a hand in the argument. Actions speak louder than words, as witnessed by our cousins of Australia, who in their wrath, and by means of a mass appeal, had their Parliament dissolved by Royal order. Does "S.M.'s" faith in the common sense of the New Zealand people visualise such a happening here? If so, lam afraid he will be disappointed. No one seems to take any interest, and our few remarks seem to be the only ripples on the smooth surface of the placid pond of public feeling. I do not, of course, include the energies of that body known as the New Zealand, Legion. Unfortunately, it seems that interest in the efficient working of Parliament is not nearly as important as the actions of—well, shall we say, the Canterbury Rugby Union, when the comfort of the onlookers is endangered. That really does cause a stir if you like, and the crowd demand its full two shillings' worth or will know the reason why. Yes, by Jove! But when it comes to thinking of how their money is spent by the people they put in power to spend it in efficient Government, a complete apathy to this is all we see. "S.M." seems to be the only inhabitant to have disturbed the Rip Van Winkle-like coma into which public opinion and action have sunk. I cheer him on heartily, but if his able pen in "The Press" ever causes an awakening to action and a live wire policy to get ahead in this dear little country, I shall be a most amazed man.—Yours, etc., 'SILVER LINING. Oduber 10. 193,' i.