PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1927, Page 1

PRESS COMMENTS.

Some of the care devoted to the gnading and the attractive preparation of fruit to go abroad might well prove profitable if devoted to that part of the output meant for loci'll consumption. If, as is often said, the growers led they do not receive enough, and the public pays too much, for tho fruit they produce, they might he able to rectify that position. With this and a, more extensive propaganda for the popularising of fruit as a staple in diet they might improve their position in their best market. It need not mean abandoning their efforts to foster overseas tijade, but tho home market could with advantage receive a greater share of tlieir solicitude.—“ New Zealand Herald.”

Economic conditions, although uuCavourable, aro by no mcan s disquieting. Nevertheless, the utmost care should bo exercised in regard to importations in view of tho all-too-patent economic fact that easy financial conditions aro impossible while an adverse balance of trade hampers economic movements in tlio Dominion. —Timaru “Herald.

II wo would reserve the South Facific for the English, and the aboriginals who were first in possession, the door of opportunity must bo open to the rflhsonablo requirements of other peoples of our own raco and blood, the rapid progress of tlio Dominion seems to depend upon the abrogation of all superficial jealousies, which would, if indulged in, prevent health} intcipenetration. Tho well springs of national 'life in New Zealand will be resilient, in proportion to tho selfishness of the people and their preparedness, and adaptability to share, in full measure, the burdens of others. “Poverty Bay Herald.”

Probably no portion of the Empire, no Empire people, /are more loya‘l or more truly British, but for that very reason probably none within tho Empire feel more intensely that they ought to share tho responsibility for decision as well as the obligation of carrying out Imperial resolutions. Probably, -also, they feel more strongly than any other colonial people the possible danger that might arise from too rigid a constitution, too circumscribed or too legal a definition of rights and oMiyatlons. Perhaps what other people might regard as a right, New Zealanders have been wont to regard as a privilege, and they naturally value a privilege far more highly than they would a right.—“Lyttelton Times.”

Tourists who could bring more Ilian money are worth (attracting. Closer contact with a. world holding more than this Dominion can would be a gam more precious than gold. All these tilings are possible if a proper policy were formed, if statesmanship were bent to the task of painting adequately the charms of New Zealand, and then caring properly for the comfort and happiness of those lured here by such means. Full success can never be gained until there is a real tourist policy.—“ New Zealand Herald.”

With closer settlement, meaning nearer neighbours and liecter conveniences, country life would present greater attractions to women and young people and so check the deplorable drift to the cities which is sadly hampering the real progress and development of the Dominion. —“ffaranaki Herald.”

The trading and industrial fortunes of this country and the Empire are in some respects at least in better shape than they were during a great part of 1926. We are faced in New Zealand by some perplexing problems in providing for the further development of our primary industries, and in approaching a fair" economic adjustment as between those engaged in these industries and other sections of the community. It is dear that much time and effort must go to the solution of these problems.— "Wairarapa Age/ 1

Although there is nothing alarming in tho present financial state of the Dominion, the time lias arrived when there should be a determined effort made to reduce imports and restrict advances as far as can reasonably be done. There is ample room for reforms that will lend to “cutting the coat according to the doth.” .It is probable that the commercial community, .as well as the primary producers and others, are well aware of the need for overcoming the present tendencies. Ihe remedy is largely in the hands of the banks" for they find a great proportion of the money for financing imports.— “Taranaki News.” A. proposal endorsed by the Australian Teachers' Federation for an educational conference to be held under the auspices of the league of Nations should find hearty support in New Zealand. Conferences in themselves often leave much to lie desired, but if tlio Dominion representatives were of high educational standing the long-delayed comparison with other system could he made, and our own system compelled to stand a searching test of whether it is best serving the needs of the Dominioh. To stress the important place education occupies in our national welfare is to emphasise a commonplace, and neither temerity nor parsimony should he allowed to stand in the way of a convincing proof that our system is the best that can be devised.—“Lyttelton Times.”