TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 91, 14 October 1914, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Some members of the Opposition suspect that the ' Government The Huntly may find plausible excuses Tragedy. for the non-presentation of the Huntly Commission's report this session. The Opposition believes that it has good ground here for scoring against the Government, whether the report is available, for debate thjs month or not — and possibly, on second thought, the Opposition would be better pleased if the report was not tabled this session. The critics would have a case likely to appeal to a very large proportion of the public. Ordinary prudence should prompt the Government to expedite as much as possible that very important enquiry. On Monday night the Premier said' that "the Government would do all it could ijo have the Commission's report submitted to the Governor before the end of tha session." The people will naturally expect Mr. Massey to fulfil that promise. This session should see the passing of a thoroughly sound Coal Mines Act Amendment Bill, and it is desirable to have the Commission's report as an aid to the Legislature. This overdue act of justice to miners is among the urgently necessary business of Parliament. Citizens w.ho were fortunate enough to ,be in the Grand Opera, An Intrepid House last night had a Explorer, rare entertainment. By the aid of lantern slides, and moving pictures and living words of one who went through the white wilderness, the people were, taken to Antarctica. Sir Douglas Mawson, Australia's fearless explorer, knows how tc- tell pleasantly — plainly b«t impressively — the history of the expedition. He has the words and he has the records to. give the public a good insight into the work done far down in the frozen South. The risks were cheerfully taken for the benefit of the general public. Cold isolation and hardship were suffered patiently by men zealous to gain useful knowledge of a region remote from the trade routes. That very valuable work was done in peril for the public advantage, and after all the great- ad-ventures Sir Douglas has the task of clearing the balance of debt on the expedition. He has to go from hall to hall in his quest of the funds which will relieve him of a burden. New Zealanders should be glad to do all in their power to help one who has shown, modestly, such a splendid spirit of self-sacrifice. Even if he had poor material for a lecture and uninspiring words, the buildings should be filled by New Zealanders as * a sign of their admiration of a valiant explorer's achievement, and their courtesy to a worthy Australian. But Sir Douglas has excellent equipment! to thrill an audience ; his lecture well deserves s a. full' house, apart from any element of sentiment. We hope heartily that the spectacle of alarge array of faces- at the Grand Opera House to-night will be one to gladden the visitor.