NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 184, 2 May 1933, Page 8

NOTES OF THE DAY

In the appointment of Mr. G. H. Mackley as General Manager of Railways some assurance is given of continuity of the policy which in recent times has enabled the State Railways to show better results. Mr. Mackley was for some time assistant-general manager under the late Mr. P. G. Roussell, and since that gentleman’s death has been actingGeneral Manager. It may be assumed therefore that he is thoroughly familiar with the policy of the Railways Board and the general administration of the Railways Service, there can be little, doubt that with the freeing of the Railways from active political influences greater scope has been afforded the management for catering for the public on more business-like lines. The Railway services have been popularised in many directions, and though still struggling against adverse conditions have made some headway. Mr. Mackley’s appointment should encourage the hope that the forward movement will be maintained.

A powerful bargaining weapon will be placed in the hands of President Roosevelt if the Bill authorising him to negotiate.reciprocal tariff agreements with foreign countries is passed by the United States Congress. It is to be noted that this authority will be independent of the Tariff Commission. The President’s discretionary power will be absolute. So armed he will be enabled to make rapid decisions on questions arising from the World Economic Conference. Observers of recent events in America since Mr. Roosevelt assumed office cannot fail to have been /truck by the remarkable expansion of the President's powers in dealing with the present crisis. He has been quick to seize the opportunity afforded him by the unequivocal mandate given him and his party at.the election and to act with courage and decision. The American public has sensed the dangers of its present situation, and evidently recognised that the emergency, as in war time, justifies the assumption by the President of dictatorial powers. Hence powers that in normal times would be refused him are now readily granted.

A controversial question, namely, the free public expression of opinion by university teachers, was ventilated in the Press recently in reports of discussions in Auckland and in Wellington. It is not difficult to conceive that full license for the expression of extreme opinions on such subjects as Communism might have an unsettling effect upon the students, and indirectly upon the public. Thus the peace and good order of a community might be endangered. It is possible to agree with the proposition that the University should be regarded as the fountain of truth and wisdom, and at the same time question some of the doctrines preached in its class-rooms. If these are calculated to encourage subversive elements there is a responsibility laid upon the governors of the University, and of the political authorities of the State to intervene in the general interest. By the same process of logic we have prohibited the circulation of certain revolutionary literature. As a broad’principle freedom of speech can be whole-heartedly advocated: but as one member of the College Council remarked liberty should not be permitted to become license.

One of the questions to be submitted to the vote of the ratepayers to-morrow is the diversion of the 1920 Water Supply Loan money to work of a similar nature but not specified in the Loan Schedule. The amount involved is about £70,000. A proposal submitted by a previous Council to divert the money was opposed on the ground that the consent of the ratepayers should first be obtained. The contention was sound, and successfully held. Behind the defence of the principle involved, moreover, was a strong feeling that nothing should be done to increase the burden on the ratepayers. The unexpended money was earning interest, and. it- was held, could very well continue to do so until the times were more favourable. On general grounds these objections are still justified. On the other hand, the city’s water supply is giving cause for some anxiety. The strain on the present svstem. it is contended, has about reached its limit. The reasons which prompted the Water Supply Loan proposals in 1920 have been augmented by the increase in population since then. There is the further argument, though that is apart from the main issue, that the works now proposed will provide labour for the unemployed. The Mayor’s general attitude on municipal expenditure should satisfy the ratepayers that he would not endorse the proposal unless he felt it were really necessary. The question, of course, is one for'the. ratepayers. They have to think of their present difficulties. At the same lime they should also be prepared to take the longer view. If they are willing to do that, they will support the proposal-