ECHOES OF THE WEEK

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 177, 14 April 1923, Page 13

ECHOES OF THE WEEK

PRESS OPINIONS ON s . NEW ZEALAND TOPICS

Instead of regarding America as merely an emergency market to be used as a means of periodic relief from a congested market in London, the Dominion’s exporters should develop a regular trade. The adequate entry of this market involves co-operation among New Zealand dairy companies, especially in the matter of advertising. This, not less than the handling of the products, can be done most effectively and economically on a large scale. The whole of the companies in the Dominion will be well advised to combine at the earliest possible moment in this commercial enterprise.—“ New Zealand Herald.”

There is a pretty general feeling abroad that if Labour should succeed in capturing the council, we shall be committed to the _ inauguration of doubtful enterprises in the shape of municipal trading. In the present state of finances, such a policy would be viewed with misgiving by the average ratepayer. Socialistic experiments even on a municipal scale are luxuries which we cannot possibly afford. The damn-the-ratepayer attitude should be sufficient to convince all propertyholders of the risk they run in voting for our municipal Socialists. It is desirable, as we readily concede, that the Labour Party should be represented on the council. Even so. it is highly undesirable that an organisation to such ideals should be entrusted with the municipal machine. —Christchurch “Sun.”

It is not often that the discussion .of any subject produces complete unanimity. The Postmaster-General has, in this respect at least, achieved distinction in that Lis elaborately-com-piled and highly-involved system for readjusting the telephone tariffs of the Dominion has been condemned, with a unanimity that is startling in its completeness. Yet there is something to bo said for his side of the question. As Mr. Coates pointed out, the present charges are the lowest in the world, and it must be admitted that even under the proposed tariff the telephone would still be about the cheapest of the many modern conveniences which render aid to the business men of today. Had the Postmaster-General simply announced that the Government proposed to make the increases foi revenue-raising purposes, he would have been on much safer ground.— “Mariawatu Daily Times.”

The broadcasted’ sermon has appeared in Sydney, and no doubt it will come to New Zealand, if, indeed it has not already been tried here; it is difficult to keep pace with the march of “progress.” Perhaps there are people who think it is a sign of the advance of civilisation that a man should be able to sit comfortably by his fireside and listen to a sermon through a telephone instead of going all the way to church and sitting in a much less comfortable pew. Perhaps, too, it will be an attraction to some intermittent Christians that they can have just as much sermon as they like and no more. . . . Wireless sermonft may reach people who do not or cannot go to church, but it would'surely be injurious to true religion if the idea was seriously entertained that listening; to, a preacher from a distance was a substitute for church attendance. Worship is the essence of religion, much more important than pulpit exhortation • and admonition. — Auckland “Star.”

The West Coast towns to-day are small and perhaps to alien eyes rather faded —remnants of a more prosperous period. Tho West Coast has “seen better times,” and bears still the imprint of a collapsed gold-mining boom. It is the California of New Zealand, and like the “golden west” of the United Staton it will some day rebuild its splendours on a more solid basis t\an the hectic activity of a mining camp. ... As it is, we consider Mr. Grande’s criticism too general and sweeping. The towns on the Coast may be old, as age goes in this part of the world, but this is the first time wo have known them to be described as dirty, and we think they do not deserve such condemnation. . . . New Zealand is, of course, not unacquainted with the injustices and inaccuracies of the average “globe-trotter,” but from an experienced journalist one might have expected a clearer perspective.—“Lyttelton Times.”

But the objections of British Labour to State immigration as a mitigation —something more is needed to be a cure —for unemployment were based evidently also on a patriotism which some extreme Labour men who revealed it might be unwilling to confess in ordinary circumstances. It. was suggested that England, with all its faults, was the only place to live in for those who were born on its soil. But it is a poor heritage in England which those can enjoy who, in periods which arc recurrent and must recur more frequently, pending some great change in industry, as its population increases, can know nothing of it but its slums, and the real England is not so narrow as some imaginations might conceive it. “’Tis England where an English spirit dwells,” wrote a New Zealand poet, himself an immigrant, and thousands who have followed him have found that true.—Dunedin “Evening Star.”

The whole scheme of Empire migration and settlement must be viewed in the light of what is. necessary for the welfare of the Empire. Certainly the New Zealander cannot reasonably regard it merely from a purely local viewpoint. The Otago Labour Council, expressing, perhaps, tho views of organised Labour in this country, makes no pretence of looking at the question from the Imperial aspect. It is content to scrutinise it mainly from the angle of the possible effect of immigration upon the labour market in the Dominion, not even taking cognisance of the circumstance that greater, population means a greater demand for the product of the industries of the country. It exaggerates the position as regards unemployment in the Dominion, and is generally too read,s’ to discover a bogey in suggestin'* that the introduction of immigrants who should be of a desirable kind is calculated to be detrimental to the Dominion.”— “Otago Daily Timee.”

We trust every effort will be made to ascertain tho name of the motorist who knocked down a little girl and then proceeded on—about as cold, callous, and cruel an action as it is possible to imagine. The general conduct of motorists is all that can be desired It is the callous few who are causing all the danger. There is plenty of scope for the full enjoyment of motoring without endangering the lives of others, and more drastic measures are required to make tho streets of the city and roads of the country safe for the people. And, so far as motorists and children are concerned, if it is tho child’s fault, does that make death any the less terrible ?—Nelson “Evening Mail.”

Not all the Die-Hard wheedling in the world can convince the portion of the electors that counts that the Liberals are mentally, numerically, or worthily able to carry on the affairs of this country. Individuals who speak with an open mind snd are entirely impartial from a part} 7 standpoint, admit that tho failure of the superman to wrest Tauranga from the lieformers tolls the death knell of Mr. Wilford’s Liberalism. Possibly Mr. Wilford will speak for the eager Mr. Macpherson at Oamaru. It is not likely that even the magic of his glib oratory will have much effect on the Oamaru electors, awaro now of the need for consolidating the position of the Government. We must have legislation, not party bickerings, during the long session.—“Timaru Herald.”

The shrinage in sheep figures, which has been apparent in practically every country for the past ten years, continues unabated. This may in some countries induce, growers to turn over from cattle to sheep raising. Nevertheless the statistical position leads almost inevitably to tbs' conclusion that mutton and lamb will remain relatively dear for some time to come. This may lead, though the reviewer does not mention it, to a larger consumptive demand for beef, as a cheaper article of diet, and bo help to restore that market. If the promised revival of trade and industry comes about and the European situation improves there is a good prospect of fair average prices for New Zealand’s meat export, at any rate for a few years.—“Taranaki Herald.”

The special committee appointed by the Federation of British Industries to consider the. possibilities' of interImperial trade may be expected to collate some important facts. _ For reasons not easy to understand interImperial trade does not receive in Britain the attention it deserves. Taking the (export trade; of Britain in 1913, in so far as it related to coal, and manufactured articles of all kinds, th® total sent away, to all Europe and to all foreign countries outside Europe was in round figures £130,000,000, whereas the total sent to various parts of the Empire was £164,000,000. Of course, Australia and’ New Zealand may be said to be negligeable in regard to exports of coal, but their imports of manufactured goods might be seduously cultivated with advantage to the Mother Country. . A movement to induce greater co-operation between Britain and Australasia opens up great possibilities.—‘.‘Napier Daily Telegraph.”

Progress reports contain gratifying evidence as to the intentions of the Public Works Department in regard to the West Coast road. Thev tesitfy to the fact that the Department, having put Its hand to the plough, has no thought of looking back until the cross-country route has been completed. This earnestness deserves popular appreciation in Marlborough; and if should also give much satisfaction on the West Coast, where, evidently, tho prospect of a regular motoring connection with Blenheim is keenly anticipated. . . . One may reliably conclude from the trend of circumstances in connection with the project of forming the West Coast road that the progress and completion of the work will depend very largely on the extent to which the people of Marlborough interest themselves in the business of supplying an adequate amount of labour.— “Marlborough Express.”

The news that the Government has appointed a committee to inquire into the present condition of the blind in New Zealand and the means available for their education and vocational training, will be warmly welcomed. Good does sometimes coin out of evil, and there is no doubt that public sympathy for the blind, and interest |in their welfare, has been greatly stimulated by the number of cases of men being blinded which occurred during tho war. Here in New Zealand that sympathy and interest have been maintained by tho efforts of Mr. Clutha Mackenzie on behalf of the Sir Arthur Pearson fund for the benefit of the blind. . . . There is no reason why the Jubilee Institute should not become the St. Dunstan’s of Now Zealand, for though Sir Arthur Pearson has passed away, his work goes on and his example must for many years be powerful lor the benefit or the- blind. - Christchurch “Press.”

It is evident that the credit of this country is not only regarded as perfectly sound by British investors, .but that they are prepared under existing conditions to give this country the preference where loans are concerned. Money is certainly easier in London than it was twelve months ago, and remains cheap, notwithstanding the unfavourable outlook in Europe. the Bank of England rate has fallen from 5 to 3 per cent, within the twelve months, and, as noted recently, Mr. Massey was able to obtain a million at tho lower rate some two or three months ago, on a short-dated term it is true, but the fact is none the less significant. The credit of New. Zealand remains good because Britsh financiers and investors have confidence not merely, in the country but in its Government. In London it is generally recognised that Mr. Massey is at the head of a sane, vigorous and dependable Government, and it is to be hoped that ho will remain there until New Zealand is through tho worst of her financial troubles.—“ Manawatu Evenina Standard.”