TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 112, 13 May 1910, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Southland's Education Board has been discussing a topic in In -a State which school teachers and of Flux. the parents of pupilsshould have more than a passing interest. It is desired in the south\to have a'reHaWe guarantee of the I health of all teachers. Those who seek certificates have to pass a medical man, but it appears that not all teachers are obliged to undergo a medical examination. On© may gather from the reports that there is something anomalous 4n this matter, and it is a further reminder that the general* question of health at the schools demands some intelligent study. It has been proved very forcibly that a perodical inspection could easily be the means of 'detecting and arresting many troublesome ailments that may escape the non-expert eye. New Zealand is as active as most other countries in the work of curing diseases after they have- unmistakably developed, but has much to learn from some of them in. the science and art of vprevention. It has actually been pleaded that the Government cannot afford an insurance policy of £5000 a year in the safeguarding of the rising generation at school, although it is pleasing now to see fiat the authorities are not adhering so much to that Giibertian »argument. The money required for this commonsense work may easily be. saved many times over by the permau•ent good done to the physique of th© ratepayers and taxpayers of the future. Apart from all humanitarian considerations, it is an investment which should t appeal to anybody with even an elementary knowledge of economics. Popular sympathy, of course, goes to those who owe For the money rather than Honest Creditor, those to whom it is owed. Mr. W. R. Haselden, by his attitude in judgment summons cases, probably pleases more people than he offends, j?ut that is not conclusive proof that his decisions against the creditor are always fair. Mr. W. H. Bowden, a storekeeper, of Kaiwarra, has questioned the magisterial statement that orders on a judgment •summons are refused only in cases when the effect would be to deprive the debtor and his family of the means of liviag. "In cases within my own knowledge,"' states Mr. Bowden, "an order for a -pmail weekly payment would deprive the ■i debtor of nothing but excessive personal f inthilg«iK:e. " The dissatisfaction with 'Mr. Haselden's attitude is no new thiruj. Tt existed when he was on the Bench in Christchurch over four years ago, and by this time some creditors may be loth to seek Mr, Hasel den's aid for she "recovery of a debt even by eery modest graduated payments. Small storekeepers may well believe that they are doipj.' a kinxiness by allowing reaeonafole credit to a man who professes that temporarily he is out of cash, but they canill afford to- lose the money. Some commentators may remark: "The remedy is? in the shopkeeper's own hands. Give no credit." But a cast-iron rule of cash, is very difficult to work. Magistrates for the sake of hard-pushed creditors and those debtors who are grateful for ? grant of credit and do not repudiate their liabilities, should ponder well before declining to make an order for at least a small sum against persons who practically expect something for ; nothing. The people's magistrates ! should set themselves against fostering the evil of slackness in any individual's composition. Apparently Mr. F. H. Campbell, chairman at yesterday s Ths Outlook meeting of ths New forEugby. Zealand Rugby Dnion, believes that good has come from evil. He said that "the little attempt made a short time ago to introduce the Northern Union game had only consolidated Rugby football."' It was not a "little attempt," and further proof, in the visit of a British professional team to these islands, will soon bo available to show that the cash brigade will make ;i strong bid for the I-eople's favour. We do not "anticipate that any alarming number of recruits will be attracted to the rival game, ar

that the mighty army of amateur Rugby's friends will easily swerve in its allegiance, bat the experiencr. of other countries shows that the support goes to those who give the people the "best goods." In conservative Britain it is the professional Association contests that make the biggest "gates." The New Zealand Hugby Union has begun to be additionally vigilant and active, and should continue to be alert and energetic. Another interesting question is the Banfurly Shield, which Auckland has meritoriously held year after year. It is suggested that the champion" province in any particular season should not be expected to play more than two special challenge matches for the trophy. That pleu. is fair. Any ordinary interprovincial match played on the territory of the Shield-holders can be a Ranfurly match, by duo notice, and two extra battles should bo enough for one season. If there are more than two applications for the special cngagemeats the allotment, on football merit, should be left to the New Zealand Union's Executive Committee. The matter of limiting^ ths special challenge matches to two in one season has been referred to the Management Committee, with power to act, and the action should tavour Auckland's desire of a limitation.