PRINCIPLES OR PERSONS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 131, 30 November 1926, Page 8

PRINCIPLES OR PERSONS

"We have not entirely supported tho "New Zealand Herald" in its advocacy of greater activity in land settlement. Rather we have been inclined to see reason in the attitude of the Minister of Lands. The settlement of sccoiid-clnss lands has produced a crop of troubles for tho Government. Indeed, in some instances it will cost more than the land is worth to put tho settlers upon their feet. Bearing these facts in mind, it has appeared wise to hasten slowly, experimenting and gaining information before launching a big settlement policy. At tho same time we have recognised the danger of the Minister becoming too pessimistic—because it is chieflj' the failures that coma prominently under his notice. Even caution may bo carried too far if it imposes a barrier against all progress for fear of failure. But because in general we have recognised the soundness of Mr. M'Leod's caution, we regret the more tha,t he has spoiled his own case by adopting an unworthy argument. "The Press controversy in regard to land settlement," ho stated on Saturday, "has been carried to the point where it is necessary to get down to first principles." He proceeded almost immediately to get away from first principles or any principles at all, and to deal instead in personalities. He arrogated to himself all the honest support and imputed to his opponents motives of self-interest. We regret exceedingly that the discussion upon a matter of vital interest to New Zealand should thus be sidetracked. There was ample, scope for reasonable argument upon the merits of ..settlement policy without introducing a side issue which would not help to settle the problem. Generally Now Zealand may bo proud of the fact that the policy of its leading newspapers has not been governed by self-interest. Except for certain Labour spokesmen who have ascribed every action to "capitalist control," this honesty of purpose has beon widely recognised by both peopleand politicians. The "New Zealand Herald," we frankly acknowledge, has done its share in establishing and maintaining the reputation of the Press for fearlessness and honesty of purpose. It has been one of the few papers willing to see and to point out the faults of the political party which it supported. Its criticism has called for greater courage than the support which has been given by other party papers on the principle of "My party, right or wrong," or than the heedless criticism of some opponents on the principle of: "Not my party, always wrong." Candid and friendly criticism on these lines has been of value to the party and to the country. It is regrettable, then, that the Minister, resenting criticism which was honest, though possibly unsound, should reveal an intolerance out of keeping with the dignity and responsibility of his office.