Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 7 December 1940, Page 4

Being the duty of the Opposition to criticise, the members were well within their rights this week in commenting on the various emergency regulations which have been brought into force as a result of war conditions. The country, and the world at large, being in a state of emergency due to' war conditions, it is manifest that strong control must be exercised by the Government responsible for the safety and security of the country. The criticism was general, largely without specific instances of hardship, excepting where a religious organisation was brought under the ban. The lesson of northern Europe is that other countries must be careful not to harbour that brand of citizens known as “Fifth Columnists.” From that source came much evil for Norway, Denmark, and other countries. It is manifest too, that freedom should be restricted somewhat in wartime.- Free speech may be carried too far, as 'has been the case with some subversive statements. There have been writings to the same effect. It is clear that matters must be so ordered that the country will be ready for any possible emergency. At Home, there was-con-demnation about unprepareduess in general, and in relation to aliens under too severe restrictions. But those phases have passed, and it does not appear the outcry against the regulations is very pronounced in this country. As a law abiding nation there is no general desire to kick over the traces. Folk accept authority as necessary for good order. Whero any flagrant injury is done, there are means at hand for a remedy without attempting to create a crisis. Nevertheless, the Opposition protest was not without value. It would have a steadying influence on the authorities in the administration of regulations considered to be drastic. The Government has the whole responsibility in the matter, and would not readily attempt to impose anything unfair on the people who must live under the regulations. No doubt any matter not fully weighed and found to he irksome or unfair,, would have the right kind of consideration when brought to notice. It may be repeated these are war times and times of emergency, and the unexpected must be endured.