WHAT THE PAPERS SAY.

Evening Star, Issue 15538, 7 July 1914, Page 1

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY.

Some of Mr Fraser's colleagues will find themselves placed in a rather difficult position by his declaration in the House of Representatives that he has no intention to abolish (he. co-operative system of public works. Mr Fraser has been cultivating the judicial faculty for a political lifetime, and now tb© Dominion is getting the benefit of his well-considered opinion. He ie not likely always to have his own way in a Cabinet that contains a majority of less disciplined minds, but public opinion has been abundantly justified in its estimate of hi.s desire to maintain the best traditions of the Ministerial office.— ‘ Lyttelton Times.’

Two points seem quite dear to us—that the arguments against a local navy are at present overwhelmingly strong, and that the whole question needs full and frank discussion by the representatives of the people in Parliament. This last appears to us to be by far the most important aspect of the whole question. We aro strongly opposed to any attempt to make our Defence policy a party question. But. it is Mr Massey and not Sir Joseph Ward who has practically reduced the question to the level of partisan controversy,— Auckland ‘Star.’

Tiro or three years ago the GovernmentI and the Opposition had a fearless pride in ; the national character- of New Zealand’s educational (system. If anybody then had dared to prophesy that within four years Bible lessons (selected by a State “ Minister of Divinity”) would bo conducted by State teachers in the primary schools he would have been ridiculed, ll he had predicted that within 'four wars private clergy would have the “right’* to enter the public schools and give denominational instruction during school hours, he would | have beer, laughed to scorn. Yet that is the prospect, that is the probability, unless the people rise in their might against the clerical union which is trespassing on the national school ground. “Wellington ‘ Dost.*

Something more than die content in the Service would be required by the public as a reason for abandoning the new system whose value is made so plain by the Commissioner’s report; but, happily, there is not wen that set-off to the reform. The “discontent” is only a fiction of soured, politicians, and the publio can congratulate themselves that the Government, in establishing the new system, were wise and honest enough to do what any honest Government would have done yeans ago.— Christchurch ‘Press.’

For the most part, the unions exist for the purpose of political as well as industrial organisation, and the levies have been assessed and loyally contributed toward* that end. Why should the unions not be allowed to do as they choose with their own money? There is sound and logical ground on which to approach the Government for an immediate amendment of the law, and if the promise of Mr Massey to give Labor the advantage of a square deal was not a mere pretence, any representations from the trade unionists in the direction of the desired amendment of the existing law should be given, prompt effect to.—Wellington ‘Times.’

Nothing should be permitted to divert, public opinion and civic thought from the fundamental truth that unless new communities impose arbitrary housing standards and enforce those, standards without regard to personal considerations or vested interests, the slum will not only take root, but will flourish in spite of all other pro gress and in the very midst of unprece dented prosperity.—Auckland ‘Herald.’

The German market is important to our producers, and if the Germains are keen to capture a larger share of New Zealand's trade they ought to be willing to make some tariff concession in favor of N©w Zea land produce. In the meantime, however, Great Britain gives us the meet generous terms, and patriotism and interest dictate that as far as possible our business should be given to Britain and kept within the Empire.-—Southland ‘Times.’