TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 18, 21 July 1926, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

In his spirited reply to Labour criticism the Minister in Charge of Immigration scored easily. The Opposition just now is living on a policy of negation, which is not difficult to answer. It prefers not to declare outright opposition to immigration but to mask its objections by imposing impracticable conditions. While doing this it attacks the present administration with a vigour which declares only too plainly what its real policy is. Tho small proportion of failures is exaggerated, and nothing is said of the great measure of success, or of the thousands of newcomers happily settled in the country. It would have been more satisfactory, however, if the Minister had devoted less time and.attention to these unreasonable critics, and had given some answer to the points reasonably made by those who favour immigration but wish to see the system improved. For example, it is stated that some of the girls brought to New Zealand as domestics are quickly forsaking this branch of service and accepting employment in other occupations. What guarantee has the Department that this is not being done? If girls wish to come out to work, in shops, offices, hotels, tearooms, and factories (which arc well supplied with labour) it is not right that they should benefit by the assistance which is offered to those willing to work in homes. Then, again, what progress has been made with the Government proposal to make an experimental development of poor land to test its suitability.for settlement? And what measure of co-operation is being secured from chambers of commerce, farmers' unions, and other organisations whose interest and assistance would be of value? We should like to have heard the Minister deal with such points as these rather than affirm, without reference to details, that the Government would adhere to its present policy. # * * In "The Post's" news columns today attention is given to a case of difficulty and distress arising from the housing shortage. Probably the circumstances are exceptional and publicity, it is hoped, will quickly result in the discovery of means of relief. But there are two facts which stand out clearly in the statement: (1) That the

housing hardship presses most heavily upon persons with large families; (2) that houses built for sale do not afford a complete solution of the present difficulty, when many deserving people are quite unable to buy. To meet the first difficulty all State and municipal housing schemes should give preference to families. We have long urged that State housing loans should be granted, not in strict order of application, but according to the merit and necessity of the applicants. We understand that there is an endeavour to give such preference. An appeal may be made to private owners to grant a similar preference when letting; but it would be a mistake to legislate against discrimination in the selection of tenants. This would possibly afford temporary relief in a few cases; but it would make the house-letting business even . more unpopular than it is now. Ultimately tho condition of would-be tenants would be much worse than at present. To meet the second difficulty, the lack of houses for rent, we can suggest no remedy except a careful inquiry into the causes that have driven" capital away from the house-letting business. The aim of the rent restriction legislation is good; but we are not convinced that its effects aro equally desirable. We should like to see a careful inquiry by some competent authority into the whole question. * • » Those farmers who, as members of the Counties' Association, declared their opposition to daylight saving obviously did so in ignorance of the true import of the measure. So much is clear from the statements of th« opponents. One speaker, for example, declared that he preferred to harvest by the time of the sun rather than by the time of the clock. Obviously this is the right course; and Mr. Sidey's Bill will not prevent the farmer from following it. The farmer who begins harvesting operations, say, at 7 o'clock, because he thinks it wise to have the sun on the crop for two hours, will do exactly the same when the clock is put forward —except that the clock time will- be eight. The sun-time will be just the same. The real effect of the Bill will be that people wlis have not hitherto acted wisely like the farmer in regulating their hours by the sun will now begin to do so. Instead of losing the morning sun they will use it, and will save the artificial light which, in an artificial mode of life, they have considered necessary. It is quite incorrect to denounce this reform as planned in the interests of sport. Recreation will certainly be facilitated by the measure, but its greatest claims to support rest upon- the economic and health benefits it will confer. * * * Royal permission having been given for the Duke and Duchess of York to visit Australia/ New 'slanders will eagerly Await an announcement that the tour will he extended to this Dominion. Their Royal Highnesses share in no small measure the affection which the people of Great ■ Britain hold for the Royal Family. They would have this in any circumstances, because they possess those attributes which have endeared the Royal Family to the people. But their work has given them a further claim upon our esteem, as well as our affection. The Duke, particularly, has taken a keen and personal interest in industry, and has ac'Vely encouraged all schemes of w-lfare work. His own plan of boys' camps has helped to break down the barriers of class distinction and to demonstrate that all grades of society can work together for a common humanitarian purpose. New Zealand, holding a similar belief, will bo delighted to welcome one who has done much to further a great social cause.