Spirit of the Press

Northland Age, Volume 5, Issue 4, 25 October 1935, Page 5

Spirit of the Press

A PLAN IN OUTLINE If Mr. Coates’s housing pamphlet is, as we assume it to be, largely the work of the much-criticised “Brains Trust,” we can heartily congratulate the Minister upon the use which he has made in this instance of the services of his economic advisers. The Biblical illustration of the folly of beginning to build a tower without first sitting down to count the cost has its parallel in modern housing policies. Mr. Coates’s pamphlet is an introduction to a calculation of housing costs. It surveys the problem, considers the need for a policy, the benefits to be anticipated, and the difficulties to be encountered. We cannot endorse in every particular the plan that is ouflined; but the method of approach to the problem is admirable and the survey thorough. The Minister invites public discussion and he has done much to aid it by setting out so clearly the main principles of a scheme.

Briefly, the plan is that local governing bodies shall first be required to make, surveys to ascertain what is the extent of overcrowding and bad housing, and what demolition, innovation, and building are necessary. A Government Housing and Town-Planning Board will direct this survey and the subsequent measures. In the reconstruction work the Government’s responsibility will be mainly the provision of legislation and advice, and some financial assistance.

The building is to be done, the pamphlet suggests, largely by private enterprise, but the private enterprise will be regulated and controlled. If private enterprise on these lines fails to make adequate provision for housing on a minimum standard, the local authority will be responsible for making good the deficiency and for this purpose will be given certain powers, such as to raise loans without polls qf ratepayers. The general plan thus outlined is, we believe, sound.” Wellington Post. ADVENTURE AND COURAGE There could be no greater mistake than to suppose that adventure means the Wild West, or the life of the soldier, the explorer, the big game hunter. True, the routine of the day’s work grows commonplace, our settled civilisation is safe and shielded and comfortable, not to say luxurious. Yet a little thought reminds us that courage and resourcefulness are as needful in the successful management of a business, in the building of a home, in facing the problems of a

bewildered civilisation, as in the winning of battles or the rescue of a maiden from a watery grave. Thousands of men have been forced by economic conditions in the past few years to reorganise their whole existence, to learn new lines of business, often to invent a wholly unthought of source of income, to rally all the resources of their manhood to face the challenge of disaster and loss. Youth today is embarking on an unknown sea of circumstance. Its future depends on intelligent daring and unflinching courage.

One who would achieve success in the modern world must be able to ride the whirlwind and rule the storm. In business, in politics, in every department of life, men and women must live greatly, if they would achieve worth-while ends. Life itself is the great adventure, and like Abraham, we are all pioneers, setting forth we know not to what objective. And the “faith” of Abraham was in truth the spirit of the pioneer, who dares the unknown that he may add new frontiers to human experience. Minneapolis (Minn., U.S.A.) Journal.