WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Observer, Volume XXXII, Issue 21, 3 February 1912, Page 3

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

PUT shortly, the time has come for the Dominion to make every effort to live within its means. The only foundation upon which such a policy can be built is that the State shall demand fair and reasonable value from all those who draw from the country's exchequer.—Hokitika "Times."

There is an evident need for tile country to awaken to the fact that it is importing much of what it ought to be manufacturing for itself, and could be manufacturing at reasonable and repayable rates if Parliament would only take sensible measures to encourage the establishment of new industries by ensuring such conditions as would adequately protect manufacturer, workman,- and consumer alike.—Wanganui "Herald."

Although we do not think there will be another general election in the immediate future, it is just as well to be prepared for that eventuality, so that the victory which would almost certainly again fall to those who are fighting for Reform might be made as sweeping as possible.—Wellington "Dominion."

It seems a pity that certain politicians could not exercise a little patience and refrain from indulging in more or less wild rumours and speculations as to what is or is not to take place when the new Parliament meets next month.—Blenheim "Express."

In the ranks of Labor itself there us among the most thoughtful workers a growing conviction that the element of rashness is securing a stronghold in the minds of their leaders—a rashness that is being exercised dangerously in an advocavy of a wholesale from the control of the Arbitration Court — Dunedin "Star."

The time has come when capital and labour should meet in friendly conference and endeavour to arrive at a solution of the problem. Labour should recognise that its best friend is capital, and capital should realise that without labour it is of little value.—Masterton "Age."

In the position which Labour has now attained it is quite idle to claim Labour's support for either party. There is only one basis' of alliance that Labour will accept, and that is the adoption of the Labour Party's programme.—lnvercargiil "Times."

If Labour would only quit talking about the glad future when it will run the whole affair and tell us how it is going to accomplish it, it would give the wretches who hardly ever take their coats off time to get away to Russia or Central Africa before the New' Order of Thinge struck this poor little dab of scoria.—Oamaru "Times."

Mr Massey has been quite clear upon the line that he intends to adopt if he is entrusted with the formation of a Government. The country may well ask what can it expect from Sir Joseph Ward if he is allowed to carry on ?—Dannevirke "News."

The effect of the Racing Commission's recommendations may be to reduce the number of clubs and courses, but we doubt whether it will reduce the quantity of betting. There will be a slight reduction in the number of clubs, but the survivors will be strong, and inferior courses are being made more attractive.—Wellington "Post/ ,

At the time of the Federation Conference twenty years ago, it was said that there was a reason against federation for every mile of ocean that separated the two countries. Frankly it does not seem that the reasons have grown any fewer in the interval.—Napier "Herald."

In New Zealand the Labor laws have been flouted by Labor during recent years in a way showing that industrial unrest is an economic malady of a cancerous nature requiring the closest attention of the most skilful and fertile brains of the land. —Cambridge "Independent."

The utmost credit is due to the Commandant and his district officers for the manner in which they have handled the difficulties by which they Have been beset, and we are sure that when parents come to properly understand their methods and their intentions any objections they may have to military training: will speedily disappear.—Lyttelton "Times."

Whichever way one looks at it, the present ministerial party is two to the bad, and must acknowledge it sooner or later. A miracle may happen, but wanting that very unlikely contingency it is inevitable that a change of government must ensue.— Te Aroha "Mail."

Let every worker by all means be given all the power and privileges that he may be fairly considered to be entitled to : but withold from him at all hazards the power of being able to persecute and ostracize a fel-low-workman simply because he objects to become a unionist.—Greymouth "Argus."

The Labor Unions are more and more becoming dissatisfied with the decisions of the Arbitration Court. When disputes occur now the employers are quit« prepared to accept the decisions of the Arbitration Court, while many of the workers will have nothing whatever to do witk it.— Hamilton "Times. ,,

People must be encouraged by every means to settle in the country and suburban districts. "Put the people on the land " is the cry of every progressive thinker, and any scheme calculated to assist in effecting this purpose must commend itself to those who are to rule the destinies of New Zealand in the future. —Invercargill "News."

Not perhaps until the breaking point has been reached will both Labour and Capital engaged in industry begin to see that both are the victims of a disease in the economic system and that it is this which should liave engaged their attention from the first.—Wellington "Times"

The object of all* parties should be to give the electors an opportunity to send to Parliament men of high character ' and tried ability who would not stand for this leader or that, but for the great principles of legislation and administration which the best interests of the country and its people demand.—Wairoa "Guardian. ,,