CASUAL COMMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1936, Page 2

CASUAL COMMENT

AND SOME OBSERVATIONS.

(By Observer).

Parliament ran a busy course, anu now there is a respite from law-mak-ing. In the meantime, folk have to become accustomed to the new order. Plenty of inspectors are flitting about to see that this and that of the awards and regulations are observed, and employers are learning something of their liabilities where their works are within the scope of an award. Some limit of the new r taxation is given also, in the notices of assessment bearing on income, and the lift in the scale of levy is opening the eyes of some folk to the increase now payable. As the middle-class section appears to be chiefly affected, seeing that it is likewise the most numerous, a big increase in the aggregate collection should result. The Minister of Finance is contemplating the second half of the year’s income with some satisfaction, realising no doubt that taxation will swell the figures substantially and help to realise hopes about a modest surplus.

Actually Ministers will have the task ‘ now of administering their policy, and of so ordering it that it may achieve the end desired—the general betterment of the people. Much has been done to render that possible, if conditions will only work out tp plan. One direction in which a nigger has appeared in the fence rather unexpectedly already, is in relation to the forty hour week; In sonfe Walks the drop iii production is very; marked, so -’much so, asfiiv the ' case of natural' products, ■ such as timber and coal, as to'affeot the railway traffic. In a given period, the volume is said to have decreased substantially, and while the same'plant is available, the staff has less to do even though its working hours are decreased. Yet salaries go on, but the revenue is not coming in, and the returns may show, the drop very soon, unless traffic in' other branches increases. There is some expectation of the passenger traffic rising by reason of the increased leisure coming to the general public.

The next phase of our political, history will be enacted most probably in London, where Mr Nash is due this month to open up trade negotiations. It may be expected that, following the late visit of the big guns of the ~British Chamber of Commerce, and their criticism of the trend of the .Labour legislation itiv respect to industry, some explanation will be called for to answer the .criticism passed. It is believed Mr Nash was acquainted with the details of the criticism, so -willHMrTbrfearmgd' HVith hisT repl ih's' and explanations. At the same time, soma of the criticism as to fear of the of the legislation was very sweeping, and would hardly have been expressed at the time or in TSie manner adopted, had they not been alarmed at the trend of the legislation in the possible effect on capital coining into the country. It will be for Mr Nash to explain away the doubts and fears, and if he can give the required assurances with the boom set in in Rritain, our relations with the Homeland should be more valuable than ever.

The change in the leadership of the Opposition at the close of tne session was not unexpected. Some lew weeks earlier, Mr Hamilton had been ‘'tipped” for the post. As an ex-Minister of the Coalition, he was associated very closely with Mr Forbes in the policy of the country over the years of depression, so the same praise or blame is attachable to both alike. Mr Hamilton, like Mr Forbes, is also a farmer, so there is little change in the actual appeal of the two personalities. Mr Hamilton was a stalwart of the old Reform party, and as such held office under Mr Massey. It is not clear that there is any reflected glory in that account, but it is a fact that the fairness and straightforwardness of Mr Hamilton are qualities which have always been prominent, and led to his general popularity. It is largely to his personal credit that the Milf ford Sound road is under way, and it is known he was favourable to pushing the highway into Westland. As Tourist Minister he was anxious to see the scenic wonders of this district opened up.

The basic rate is a further effort to secure better pay, rather than greater opportunity for work. So far the elforts'of the Government are directed in the main to reduce working hours, and create more leisure. That is excellent in its way for those who have regular employment. But for the un-| employed, the course taken helps to raise a further barrier to steady engagement. Work it has been said, does us no harm, but idle leisure is harmful. Britain has thousands of workless, and New Zealand has many hundreds on sustenance. This policy is creating a serious problem for the futu're of the nation, and it would seem the issue should have more consideration by the'law makers. The thousands of pounds being distributed week by week in sustenance might 'veil he organised into industry whereby trades could be learned, and the. learner made proud of his manhood, instead of being allowed to drift and become a blight on the community. Social reform awaits attention in this matter. She came, she was seen—and conquered all hearts. Such was the effect of Jean Batten’s surprise arrival here last Sunday. The young lady made a gracious speech and. waved her appreciation to a throng which was more

articulate than usual in its demonstva-

tion to the heroine. From the samw balcony, Hokitika has seen the I’rince of Wales, Guy Menzies, and now dean Batten, but never before had there been such a tumult of cheers. Now the little lady is resting at Waiho Gorge, following the examples of a former Minister of the Crown who appreciated the restfulness of the southern scenic beauty scenes. Evidently Miss Batten’s medical adviser knew where the best tonic was to he found, and the advertisement for the South should not be lost on the rest of New Zealand, when our jaded folk feel run down, and are in need of the elixir of life—the tonic atmosphere of the glacier region. 1 Congratulations to the Anglican community on the success of their festival functions of a week ago. ! Hie weather could not mar the occasion, try how it would. We certainly owe a grievance to Australia for the persis'tance with which it sends it deep depressions across the Tasman Sea. However, the ardour of the people was not damped, and the ray of sunshine which appeared on Sunday was fully appropriate to the occasion. In the new All Saints’ Church the town li s. an architectural gem of its kind, something to I admire from all angles. Those responI sible for the creation of the edifice 1 deserve all praise and thanks —while to those responsible for the interior j decorations and effect, praise is due I also. The building is one of memorial j for the fallen who served in the war—i the men and women who (as' Judge Northe'rbft remarks) were unafraid’'to I play their part' its citizens of the Kim pire in the task of upholding its piestige and freedom. Also, congratulations to the Hokitika Library Committee 'on the pedestal the lcoal institution occupies 'in the estimation of Mr E. J. Bell, ; a library expert. Of the smaller towns | Mr Bell found that Motueka and Hoki- ' tika had the best libraries, in both j places the institutions were being : run on up-to-date lines, the books had | been carefully selected, and the shelves were in good order. The library at | Nelson had also a very satisfactory ■' stock of books. At Greymouth rei modelling of the building is being con- ■ | tern plated, and, if clone, this should ■result.in better service to the comniunI ity. At present the exterior is not at- ■ tractive, and the rooms need reno--1 vating. The library at Westport is <>’ ; a bad condition, arid needs a thorough overhaul. The shelves are crowded with less and dilapidated volumes, but the j advice given to the a,uthorit ; es there by Mr Bell should bring about a bettor service. Hr 1301 l wes not ensunom- . ed though of our open spaces on the Coast, and missed the garden scenes •which beautify Christchurch so much to the likeness of Old; England. That criticism should he a, reminder __that here we have' lost the aetivith'S'.of the beautifying society, and that it would be in 'the interests of appearance to { revive the organisation. Now that we I are entering a new order generally, j our personal appearance might well he . /smartened up.