Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10548, 11 January 1913, Page 4

Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1913. EDITORIAL NOTES.

IT is stated that in next session of the United States Congress the Democrats will considerably alter the policy of their predecessors. The policy of high protection, of course, lias not benefited the American people, but has merely enabled a small section to build up enormous fortunes. It is, indeed, estimated that a moderate reduction of the tariff on wool, cotton, metals, chemicals, sugar and rubber would save the consumers about two hundred million pounds sterling annually. One commentator alleges that’this reduction would invovle a revenue loss to the Treasury’ of about £1,200,000, but even if .that case the people would bo gainers. But it is much more likely that as reduction of tariff would mean a greater influx of imports the revenue of the Treasury’ would be much larger than it is at present. The New York World says there will also be a Free List Bill, which will include agricultural implements. fence wire, bagging and ties for baling cotton, lumber, laths and shingles, sewing machines, meats, leather, shoes and salt. The proposed Wool Bill will reduce the average rate of duty on wool manufactures from 00 per cent, to about 45 per jj-eut., as based upon the imports of this year. We believe, however, that it is more than likely that the Trusts which are reaping large profits through compelling the people to pay’ high prices for supplies, may- be able the power of the purse to defeat the aims of the Democrat leaders.

IF Trades Unionists continue their present policy’ it will not be long before there is established a system similar to that of caste in India, where a labourer in any branch of service may’ not do work which is undertaken by other castes. Preference to unionists is accomplishing this, and in some instances, such as in the case of the plumbers, private Individuals may be fined if they employ or even permit any person than a licensed plumber to do any , sanitary plumbing, and we observe that the architects are now moving in the direction of making their profession a close corporation, as the dentists and the accountants have already done. A clause in the Bill they’ are promoting reads as follows: —“(1) From and after two years after the commencement of this Act, every local authority, committee or trust elected, delegated or appointed by the public and acting in an administrative, executive or fiduciary position, who alters any building at a cost exceeding one thousand pounds ontgOf funds borrowed or held by them as"a public .body' or provided by grants, rates, assessments, or public or private subscriptions, shall employ and appoint as architect a person registered as such under this Act, to design, under their instructions, the said buildings and to supervise the erection thereof; provided that such employer shall have power, for sufficient cause, to dismiss the said architect and from time to time to appoint another registered architect in his stead. (3) In the case of bridges, tramways, stations/or other similar buildings which aro primarily of an engineering character, a registered architect or architects shall be employed to collaborate with the engineer in the design of such buildings. ”

IN view of the heavy, losses of sheep in the South Island, and the large export of fat lambs it would be well for sheep farmers to consider whether it is wise to export any but wether lambs. It is very desirable that cur flocks should largely increase, to enable full advantage to be taken of the improved’prices for wool and the capabilities of the country.