Sayings of the Scribes.

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1899, Page 3

Sayings of the Scribes.

Electors come to the polling place with their minds made up on which side they will vote and they should be allowed to go straight to the ballot box unmolested. — Manuhau Chronicle. Eeduction simply means the creation of a monopoly among a few publicans, while it is not calculated to materially reduce the amount of liquor consumed. — Coromandel County News. For years past the price of wool has been such as to make it an open question whether wool should not be considered merely as a by-product of the process of mutton growing. — Manuhau Chronicle. With such a strong backing, there seems to be no end to the possibilities of the Seddori administration in pushing forward measures that during the past three years were blocked by the Opposition. — Greymouth Evening Star. We would urge upon the Premier the claims of Mr McGowan to the portfolio of Mines. His comprehensive grasp of matters of mining, and his knowledge of administration, acquired in the House, fit him for the position. — Coromandel County News. As we have always contended, the efforts of the prohibitionists have been misdirected. Were they to work in the direction of securing regulation of the drink traffic, then they would have the sympathy of a large section of the population now opposed to them. — Manawatu Daily Times. The result of the general election goes to show that the majority of the people of the colony endorses the policy and administration of the Gpvernment, and those who are* prepared to accept the theory that "The voice of the people is the voice of God" must treat the verdict as conclusive. — Waikato Argus. We regret twuS&to announ.ce that, owing to waraHKpifacient support, we have had tolliiJKmtinue the " Evening Extras" containing the latest war news: Our enterprise may be ever so popular, but we could not stand the loss of £1 per week' to please a few. Hjowever, we thank those who supported the venture. — Northern Luminary. Owing to the anomalous position in which Clutha stands in regard to the local option law, not so much interest was taken in the Result of the poll on the day of the election, it being realised that until the law is amended the vote is bound to be inoperative, in so far- as reduction or restoration of licenses is concerned. — Balclutha Free Press. The questions actually before the electors were : ' Are you satisfied with the legislation of the past nine years and the administration of the present Government ? ' The result has been a^ overwhelming shout in the affirm.ative, and the democracy, despite its alleged fickleness, has once again justified its claim to be considered intelligent. — Balclutha Free Press. The treatment awarded by the jpowerful nations of Europe to the weak and effete empire of China shows .plainly what treatment could be expected by a small and unwarlike Republic such as independent Australia would be. How could Australia answer a demand from Germany or from Russia for a coaling ►station in Queensland? To reply effectively in the negative, the nation would require a large navy to "protect its commerce and a large army to defend its shores. — Cromwell Argus. Providing that (not being carried away by the large support accorded him) Mr Seddon does not proceed to an extreme in the matter of legislation of an undesirable nature, it is probable that the end of the Liberal legime is not yet within measurable distance. It is to be hoped that the Premier will pursue a policy of moderation, and not be tempted to extend the large powers now at his command to pass any measures which will press with, harshness on any particular section of the community. — Manawatu Daily Times. We ask the Government of New Zealand to inquire into the injustice which the Austrian settlers up North, received from the Mangonui County. If the Government do not want to protect the Austrian settlers, why did they sell the land to them and want them to settle in the colony ? If the Government do not wish to see that justice is done to the Austrians, then let the Government issue an order officially, and say : " That no Austrian shall be allowed to take up Crown or any other land in the colony, and that the Austrians cannot become British subjects." — Danica. We give the prohibitionists credit for disinterestedness in strongly advocating what they consider to be a noble cause, but the electors have shown us, through the medium of the ballot box, that they do not consider prohibition a panacea for all the ills the body politic is heir to, and believe that the public-house bar is preferable to the sly grog shop. Some other effoit will have to be made to effect reforms in connection ; with the licensing laws, and these reforms cannot be thoroughly effected unless they are backed up by public opinion. — Taranahi WeeMy Record. Even Mr Seddon's bitterest enemies cannot but admire tlie manly spirit he displayed towards his opponents in addressing the_ people at Wellington on the evening of election day. The Premier, in his address; said now the battle was over we must forget what had passed and endeavour to work hand in hand for the good of our country. He was not one to condemn, nor would he be a party to set class against class. What he would endeavour to do would be to maintain the privileges and rights of labour, while giving to capital its proper security, and with capital and labour working in harmony the country must become a prosperous nation. — Manawatu Daily Times.