TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 137, 14 June 1927, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Satisfaction us to the course of trade and industry can be gathered from the overseas trade figures,- published in another column.- It -would, perhaps, be misapplying Shakespeare to say "that "now is the winter of oui- discontent" mado comfortable by the figures as they stand. But the fact is that'-sthe imports for the five months ended-31st May last are less in value than they were this, time last year by nearly two and a quarter millions, while, on the other hand, the exports in value returned more than the first five months of 192G by: approximately one and a half millions. If what has boon reduced in imports and what has been increased in exports are added together they will bo found to total £3,926,710. For consolatory purposes this amount may bo regarded as roughly £4,000,000. On the whole, the returns are exceedingly encouraging. There is still a fair quantity of valuable produce—including at 31st May 8710 tons butter and 9431 tons cheese —awaiting export, to be turned into cash as soon as it is aboard ship. The end of the first half of 19557 should sha>v even better results; should givo . causo for satisfaction. Thus, although '■ it still needs careful treatment, the trading "and financial condition of the Dominion is steadily but surely improving. ■ ; ; «' * * "Tho delusion that what is useful in Bond Street is suitable for Paekakariki Hill.?'-was mentioned by Sir Alexander, Boyd-Carpenter as making it essential that there ,-;hould bo close personal touch" between Britain and! her Dominion markets. Tho value of such personal touch cannot be over-empha-sised. Of course, manufacturers who do business with us are not entirely ignorant of our requirements. In fact, most of them, if they wish it, can obtain accurate information at any timo from their own agents or through His Majesty's Trade Commissioner. But it is often advisablo that such information should be supported by tho recommendations of an expert delegation. Such a delegation as tho British Motor Trado has sent to Now Zealand can also perform a further servico, by educating 1 Now Zealand opinion. Tho success of Britain's trade rivals is not wholly duo to tho greater suitability of their wares for this markot. It is duo in some mcasuro to an impression tl.at Britain is highly conservative in her industry, will not suit designs to customers' requirements, and, in short, profors tho "tako-it-or-loavo-it" attitude. How this impression was first created, whether by propaganda or fact, it is not necessary to inquire. It is certain, however, that it is not based upon fact in tho presont day. There is ample evidence that the British manufacturer is thoroughly progressive, and I willing to meet all reasonable proposals upon a business basis. Tho emphasis often laid in New Zealand upon- tho patriotic duty of buying British goods has probably left the idea in some minds that patriotism is the chief argumont. Personal association can bo directed to show that it is good businessalso. It may be true in the long run | that good wares are their own beat I advertisement; but modesty in business can be overdone. .*.»■» A fow months ago there wbro complaints that positions could not be found for all the young teachers who had been trained for the profession. Less has been heard of this matter lately, and it is probable that the apparent surplus has largely disappeared. It would be strange, indeed, if there wero a surplus in view of the facts concerning large classes. These facts have been mentioned from time to time, and they wero stressed when representatives of tho Educational Institute in Palmerston North met the local members of Parliament. According to the teachers' representative, there are 1000 classes, in New Zealand which are too large. The consequence is that many children cannot be taught, only drilled. A uniform pace must be set for the whole class. Those who would go faster must be kept back—which is often injurious since it does not promoto close application—and those who lag behind must just lag. This is not fair to the children, and it is wasting the good material upon which our future success must be built. The trouble is not wholly due to staffing difficulties. In many schools the accommodation is so limited that tho division of large classes is impossible. It is well to bear these facts in mind when suggestions ar& mado that the backblocks schools arc chiefly in need of attention. .-...-■•■ * * .

Taking into consideration tho relative populations, a New Zealander has expressed tho opinion that Dominion streets and highways are more dangerous than, those of the United States. Without endorsing this opinion we can iigreo that Now! Zealand streets aro more dangerous than Jfeey should be.

The position in Wellington alone is clearly indicated by recent accidents. Some part of the trouble is due to the narrowness of main thoroughfares which have to carry double linos of tram tracks as well as motor traffic. Attempts have been made to divert some of the tram traffic, but the. deviations have not given great relief, and have, indeed, created new problems. But tho original difficulty arising from narrow thoroughfares could be considerably reduced by an orderly bylaw and supervision system. Parking of car,s reduces traffic space, and therefore it is subject to control, but the bylaws are not sufficiently effeetivo for two reasons: They are not up to date, and they are not fully enforced. To bring order out of the chaotic muddle of traffic regulation wo require, first, a'thorough revision and consolidation of traffic bylaws, and next strict supervision. Enforcement under present conditions would be neither easy nor just, because motorists are not fully advised what is required of them. Of course, ignorance of the law is no excuse for an offence, but the local authority is under an obligation, iv reason if not in law, to make its requirements known. This should be done at once, and the effort supplemented by much closer inspection than can be obtained from a traffic staff which has to give most of its time to office duties. '