WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Evening Star, Issue 14495, 21 February 1911, Page 1

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

We believe that at heart Sir Joseph is as enthusiastic m regard to land settlement as were either of bis predecessors, Mr Reliance and Mr Scddon; but it must bo remembered that both those distinguished men had a colleague who devoted his attention almost exclusively to the Lands portfolio. No doubt Sir Joseph is timid over the Land Question, because his own party is sharply divided over the question of Leasehold versus Freehold; but we believe both these sections would welcome an active and progressive land policy that would place people on the land,' for the clamor of the landless is, as stated above, loud and incessant.—Christchurch ‘ Spectator. ’ * * * They are the real friends of the democracy who, like Mr Sarginson, arc brave enough to speak the full truth, even when it is unpleasant, and warn the people of dangers ahead. Such men deserve, if they do not always receive, the best thanks of the community. Many good mm who know better are inclined to ask why should they make themselves disagreeable and unpopular when it is so nuuh easier to take the lino of least resistance, and either hold their pence or prophesy smooth things. The ‘Dominion.’ # # # We think that. Ministers should not appoint members of their own fam.ly to any department of the Public Service under their immediate control; but Mr Millais son was in the Railway Department long before his father accepted a seat in the Cabinet, and there is no reason in the world why he should not receive the recognition that would be given to any ether capable officer who was fortunate enough to attract the attention of his superiors.— ‘Lyttelton 'times.’ * ->;■ *• By every legitimate and honest means our population should bo increased, and the increase of poprdation almost of necessity means increased trade and commerce. The question is nil-important.—Wanganui ‘ Herald.’ * * * In the conduct of the affairs of this country the crying need appears to be a vision which can see beyond the boundaiics of the village, and which can look a little further into the future than the next election.—Palmerston ‘Standard.’ The very large number of councillors that have had to resign their seats (on account of the new provisions in the Municipal Corporations Act) only emphasises the need for the new law. There are plenty of men equally as pood who will be founcf ready to fill the places of those who in the past have been perhaps too anxious to monopolise public offices.- —Dargaville ‘Bell’ * * * Under no circumstances whatever' should there be any official recognition or encouragement of subscription-hunting by the children of our schools.-—Blenheim ‘ Express,’