The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. WEDNESDAY. MARCH 17 1920 A PREMIER’S WORRIES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12014, 17 March 1920, Page 4

The Rangitikei Advocate. TWO EDITIONS DAILY. WEDNESDAY. MARCH 17 1920 A PREMIER’S WORRIES.

THERE are possibly many who envy the position of a Pripe Minister, because the}' do not realise that although he exercises power and influence, he is also beset with cares, and has to carry on his work in a maze of difficulties. At the present time Mr Masse}* has to contend with many, and reference to a few of the chief will show that his position is not by a>y means enviable, especially when it is remembered that, no matter what action he may take, there are always political enemies lying in wait to criticise adversely, and take the greatest possible advantage of the position, and if possible twist his action to their own advantage. For instance at the present time he has to placate the railwayman, post and telegraph officials, teachers, and many others, who are loudly and persistently demanding increased pay, and at the same time he knows that public disapproval will be manifested if charges become costly or taxation is increased. Yet, as a man, he has to admit to himself that the claims made are founded on justice because the fact that the cost of living has increased is undeniable. Obviously he is in a troublesome dilemma. Then, again, he Is between the devil and the deep sea in the conflict between the interests of the patient producers and the selfish profiteers in hides and leather, and in regard to this he knows that while the producers are not properly organised to defend their own interests, and are not all even supporters of his party, the other side are not only well organised but are even federated with other profiteers, and are ready to give political support to any party that will further their ends. Then again, he has only just succeeded in placating the minors, and inducing them to give better value for the pay they receive, or rather to give more work for higher pay. While he has thus exorcised onb demon, it is questionable whether he will receive the thanks of the public, for the people have now to pav more for their coal, and his ambushed opponents will strive to make the moat of this fact on the first suitable occasion. No; the position of Prime Minister is not altogether enviable. There are many other miner troubles, besides the prineipal ones to which we have referred, and not the least of these is the financial trouble. He sees a largely increased drain on the people through taxation, and also a still more largely increased drain on the Treasury, A little thought will show that a Prime Minister well deserves the salary he earns, and that he is lucky if, in the discharge of his many difficult duties, he also earns the gratitude of the people.