IMMIGRATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15257, 18 March 1910, Page 8

IMMIGRATION.

The field for immigration in Australia is practically limitless, the resources of the country are practically immeasurable, and the system of government represents “the largest measure oftrust in tho people and freedom lor the community ” yet attained anywhere in the civilised world. Sir George Reid did well to emphasise Australia’s readiness to welcome suitable emigrants from the Old Country, and the colonies all owe him their thanks for reiterating that, whatever be the value of the colonial offers of preferential trade, mo are not bargaining with England to secure our own selfish ends at the expense of the workers at Home. Auckland “ Star.” SOMNOLENT CITIZENS.

Two thousand votes or so out of a possible thirty thousand could, . without placing great strain on the imagination, be taken as an indication that the citizens wished to bo relieved of such a boro as the management of their business. To speak about an “ extension of local government ” just now would seem to be taking liberties with the collective sense of humour.—“ New Zealand Times.” THE TIRED ELECTOR,

From all parts of New Zealand come reports of popular apathy at yesterday’s elections. For years there has been a demand for a democratic franchise for the appointment of all members of Hospital and Lnaritablo Aid Boards. Yesterday this sentiment was tested, and the result was lamentable. Tho people were given full power of choice, and in Wellington, Auckland. Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson and other places the proportion of voters M-as not a twelfth of the numbers on the municipal rolls. The persons who took tho trouble to exercise their privilege or right did not 1 amount to 8 per cent of the burgesses here and elsewhere. This tiredness is on a par with other notorious langour previously noted. The descendants of people n-ho cheerfully risked their lives for the franchise are too indifferent to cut a minute or two out of tho lunch hour to do a civic duty. If such listlessness persists an awakening will be forced on somnolent New Zealand communities. —“ Evening Post.”