TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 86, 8 October 1914, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Another reminder was given to the Government yesLabour Exchanges terday about and Unemployment, the need of improvement in the arrangement of Labour Exchanges. At present there is a medley of public and private _ enterprise, and the dual scheme is continually condemned by representatives of trades unions. Year after year they have given strong reasons to back up their plea that this work should be done solely by tho State, and we are not aware that any suflicient reason has been given against that recommendation. More than once New Zealand has had proof that tho loss and suffering due to a disturbance of trade and industry have been increased by tho lack of a scientific system of Labour Exchanges — one comprehensive organisation. The urgent need of this reform was felt keenly during the depression of 1909, and the Hon. J. A. Millar, then Minister of Labour, promised to change the old half-hearted, more or less haphazard attitude of the State. The Libeval Administration passed away, and the Treasury Benches received new occupants, but still New Zealand lags remarkably behind Great Britain, France, and Germany in procedure designed to keep employers and workers well informed for mutual advantage. Five years have gone, and again the country feels the need of a proper "intelligence department" to assist willing workers to find employers who require them. Such a reform could greatly reduce the days of idleness "between jobs." The delay means economic waste, and the infliction of avoidable suffering. By the activity of stoats, weasels, and indiscriminate human Destruction of destroyers — the unNative Birds. sportsmanlike persons who take delight in shooting at any creature — and by tho destruction of forest, the native birds are perishing. Time is proving that the number of sanctuaries must bo increased, and tho friends of the birds have to strive for a better and stronger public opinion on behalf of species threatened with extinction. The Post has always held that it is more important to inspire a fervour for the birds among the rising generation and among the adult public than to have drastic laws against stupid vandals or cunning hunters who seek a profit in slaughter (done for the skins which are craftily exported). Undoubtedly legislation is absolutely necessary; every practicable means should be used to catch and punish those enemies of the birds, but there are large areas of wooded country to be watched, and the detection of law-breakers is not easy. New Zealand is behind Australia in this sentiment for the native flora and fauna.. Unquestionably, the institution of Bird and Wattle Days across the Tasman Sea has helped to make the public think about the beauty of Nature and the life of the forest. Australia followed America, where small boys have learned to throw crumbs instead of stones to tho free birds. New Zealand has a number of men. arid women who are pleading for the birds, and they are trying to stir the public, but they have a difficult task. The habit of destruction— the itch to bring a sudden halt to things that fly— is widespread, but the reformers have to fight on. They are gaining something ; each year sees some advance, a little positive progress, infinitely better than the retrogression which would be inevitable if the birds' friends faltered and lost heart. The new society formed last year has abundance of ground for good work.