PUBLIC OPINION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14682, 13 May 1908, Page 7

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY'S NEWSPAPERS. , (.By Telegrapiy.) THE COMING SESSION. The Prime Minister promises a .superannuation scheme embracing all classes of workers, a corollary to the special system already existing. We may expect to hear tnis humane and patriotic project described as an electioneering device, but Ministers, in carrying out an essential, wortny policy, are 'not likely to tie disconcerted by ignoble reflection of that kind. Then there is the question of reform of the Conciliation and Arbitration law, a matter, as is universally conceded, of important urgency. We are very glad, too, that tho Government intends to tackle the subject of electoral reform so far as relaxes to the mischief of minority representation. We take this opportunity of reminding the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General that the present Parliament ought not to bo allowed to reach its termination without something having been done in the direction of placing the law of libel in a reasonable state. —" Dunedui Star."

'•THE COMING" NATIONAL ANNUITIES.

The Prime Minister's recent references to the intentions of the Government with respect to the extension of the superannuation system and tho establislmient of a scheme of national annuities have committed him to the formulation of a scheme which is certain to present difficulties of great magnitude. Tho greater the difficulties, however, the greater will assuredly be the credit to which Sir Joseph will bo entitled if he can devise a satisfactory scheme for the fulfilment of the laudable desire to make provision for a general scheme of superannuation. Until the promised proposals arc brought down, however, speculation as to their possibilities from a practical standpoint is somewhat futile.—" Otago Daily Times." THE ARBITRATION LAW. The Prime Minister said at Reefton, with an interesting parade of frankness, that the Government of New Zealand would never allow anything to be done, either by an employer or by an employee, that would cause the disruption of industrial peace. This large, orotund (Statement may mean anything or nothing. We incline to think -that it means nothing. Industrial peace is not within the control of the Government, though tho Government may do a great deal to maintain it, either legitimately or illegitimately, but men cannot be compelled, in a country which professes a devotion to freedom, to work when they do' not wish to or to employ workers when they do not wish to. ISfo arbitration laws can prevent stuikes, for example. It is only'their function to make a strike so unprofitable that, of their own free will, the strikers prefer to jcontinue working, and even industrial peace, if it be purchased at the cost of the progress of the community, merely by making an industrial desert and calling it peace, may be purchased at too high a price. —" Evening Post." LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION. It goes without saying that if thero were insufficient work going on in the dominion to employ those citizens who depend upon their labour for their daily bread, it would be gross misgovernment to encourage and foster immigration of a wage earning character, but it would be equally gross miisgovernment to allow a now country to be checked and retarded in its industrial development by lack of labour when industrious and capable men of our own British nationality could be, induced to immigrate by wise encouragement and moderate assistance, and there can be no possible doubt in tho mind of an impartial person as to tho general position of New Zealand and the general state of its labour marget. In a score of industries enterprise lias been "slowed down" and opportunity for expansion reluctantly declined by the impossibility of securing tho labour necessary for now developments.—" New Zealand Herald." SOUTH AFRICAN FEDEk.ij.JON.

Tho loyalists, as they still prefer to call themselves, are distinctly in a minority and they are bitterly discontented with the treatment they bavo received from .'England since tho war. They have not the slightest intention of attempting to cut themselves .adrift from the rest of tho Empire, but they have come to believe that as Africanders, even, if governed by a. Boer anajority, they will fare better than if they still remain su,bject to the Colonial "Office. As to the Boers they are the ruling power in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, and the lasjt Cape Colony elections have restored the remnants of the old Rand party to office. To them, therefore, the .moment seems propitious for an attempt to consolidate on'a permanent basis the influence and authority that England's generosity has secured them, and ho we find all parties in South Africa practically in agreement as to tho necessity for somo form, or other of political federation.—Auokland. "Star."