CURRENT TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 19, 23 June 1913, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

THE POLICY OF PLUNGE. Mr. James Allen's sweeping condemnation of the policy of plunge in the State Advances Department will meet with the hearty approval of the country, even if it disappoints interested individuals. In a time of money scarcity a curtailment of advances is inevitable. Even were money more plentiful Mr. Allen, would have no need to apologise to the country for carefully scrutinising the applications for loans from this Department. The fact that money is hard to secure increases the obligation on the Department to meet every legitimate claim; but while there is difficulty in meeting legitimate claims, and while money is urgently needed For roads, railways and bridges, it is imperative that the policy of plunge should cease. Auckland Herald. AN ERROR OF JUDGMENT. Mr. Allen erred sadly in repeating what we may assume to be the gossip of some Conservative circle in Canada, and he really made himself look foolish when be said that "in Canada their loyalty is almost as great as our own, in spite of the French." New Zealanders rightly pride themselves upon their loyalty, but they have not developed that complaint known as "swelled head" to such an extent as to claim to be more patriotic than the Canadians. The suggestion that the French-Canadians, who have upheld the King of their adoption in good times and in had without counting" the cost, are an anti-Imperial force, is too absurd to require discussion— Lyttelton Times. AX ADULT SCHOOL MOVEMENT. A visitor to Auckland at the present time is Mr. Edwin Gilber, a prominent worker of the Adult School Union. The adult school movement was started in England as long ago as 1798, and flourished until 1830, when it fell into abeyance for about fifteen years. In 1545 a fresh start was made, and the movement has been a growing one ever since. Our visitor was mainly instrumental in the forward movement of 1899-1005, during which time over 1000 new schools were opened. He is now the editor of the magazines of the schools. The movement is essentially a religious one, but knows no sectarian difficulties, and its sphere of usefulness includes study of social questions, historical, and literary studies, etc., in addition to Bible study.

During his slay in Auckland Mr, Gilber has, among others, addressed the members of the Headmasters' Association, and he states that a general desire lias been expressed that a'specimen school should be held in the city before he leaves.