VOICE OF THE PRESS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19509, 8 June 1933, Page 2

VOICE OF THE PRESS

NEW ZEALAND OPINIONS. Wool Research. It is generally admitted that there is room for research and inquiry into the wool export industry of the Dominion. Last year a conference of stock owners and scientists discussed the question of sheep breeding, but no definite line of action was decided upon. The Government has intimated its willingness to assist in the research work, recognising, of course, that problems now awaiting solution are preventing the farmer from maintaining the highest standard of production. It is well known that the wool-growing industry has felt the prevailing depression as acutely as any industry, and it may be that producers will feel that no additional drain upon their resources can be accepted in the meantime. But if research gave information which led to an increase in price of a fraction of a penny per pound of wool exported the cost of the levy would be one of the best investments the sheepfarmer has made for many days. When trade revives, New Zealand must still expect a market more critical than in the past.—"Taranaki Dally News.” Government as Boot-retailer. Within the last few days the Unemployment Board has made arrangements with the manufacturers for the supply of boots on a huge scale for the unemployed. This development has certainly given a good deal of point to the contention that the State has automatically become a competitor with private enterprise. Representatives of the retail trade have objected to it on the ground that it involves cutting into their business. The principle in accordance with which the Unemployment Board has acted could be extended, it has been suggested, so that everything that people eat, wear, or use would be supplied in the same. The Minister of Employment has expressed the view that the retailers will benefit rather than otherwise, because the great proportion of the unemployed are in no position to purchase boots in the ordinary way, and the placing of these large orders with the manufacturers will mean that more men and women will be placed in steady employment at standard wages, and that these people will immediately become better customers of the retailers. Whether the Ministerial argument is sound or not it at least indicates that this particular matter can be regarded from more than one point of view.—"Otago Daily Times.” The Civil Sendee.

In his chapter on the Civil Service in "New Zealand in the Making,” Dr. Condliffe says there is in this country "no system comparable with the divisions by which the British Civil Service admits young men of exceptional ability and prolonged training into the higher executive offices of Government, with large responsibilities at an early age. The New Zealand system, under which every officer is entitled to promotion to a vacancy immediately above him, unless he can be shown incapable of discharging his duties, or in default to a position of equal remuneration, tends to promote departmental breeding and to place a premium on routine unadventurous mediocrity.” It is only fair to say that Dr. Condliffe adds that "it says a good deal for the calibre of the public servants of New Zealand, and for the general standard of education, that under such conditions the level of efficiency should be so high.” The defects of the system, however, are too plain to be ignored, and there is urgent need for reform on the lines indicated by the Secondary Schools’ Association. — "Auckland Star.” Quality Produce. Throughout the dairy industry there seems to be general recognition of the need for a comprehenseive forward movement toward higher and more uniform quality standards. Since New Zealand established her reputation in the London dairy market, competition has become keener to re-establish that reputation. Whether times are good or bad, whether quotas are imposed or not, whether tariffs give permanent Empire preference or not, quality will always command its place in the market, and a premium in the price field. In the butter tra'de Denmark enjoys a number of advantages by reason of its proximity to Great Britain, but much of its strength is due to organisation which enables the product to be shipped with fair regularity over the twelve months of the year, and ensures a high standard of uniformity in the matter of flavour, colour, packing and grade. These merits have made the Danish market.—" New Zealand Herald.” Business and Politics. Recently there have been suggestions that organisation representing commercial interests have been interfering in politics, and, peculiarly enough, some of this criticism comes from other organisations which have been guilty of the same offence, if offecnce it is to be called. As a matter of fact, it is no offence. The Associater Chambers of Commerce has been publishing terse statements criticising some of the country’s laws, some parts of its administrative machinery and some of its expenditure, but in doing this it is not indulging in politics. Such an organisation would be failing in its duty if it did not put before the public the business man’s point of view in connection with these matters. While these organisations are doing this they are serving the countryq, and their declarations should be given earnest consideration because they come from the I accredited representatives of large and Important sections of the community.— ‘‘Southland Times.”