WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 34, 28 April 1917, Page 3

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

AS long as the Catholic congregation remains devout in its hopes, and as long as Orange congregation remains devout in its antagonism to those hopes, politics must contain the sectarian fight. Why then pretend that it is nonexistent? One might as well dissimulate the fact that there is a Prohibionist party voAved to destroy the Liquor trade, and they deny that the Trade seeks its own preservation.—Wellington "Triad."

The Socialists are well organised, and before the war were a continual source of anxiety to the Kaiser and his associates. Among many caricatures which were published in 1912 one stood out as remarkable. It depicted a kitchen with a great boiler in which was a figure representing the Socialists. The cooks Avere the various Government supporters who were endeavouring to boil down and soften the figure. The Kaiser enters, and the unanimous report is: "It matters not, Sire, how Aye boil and season him; he daily becomes "tougher." The caricature appeared in a German paper. We believe that the Socialists have become still tougher. — Greymouth "Argus."

The conditions in coal mines are certainly as fair and good as any miner can desire, and the pay is high—so high that even by going sloav and reducing their output the men can earn excellent wages. There is nothing in the coalminers' case to obtain any sympathy for them, and as a matter of fact Aye are convinced that the vast majority of the people, of all classes, are thoroughly angry with them. At all times the policy of "ca' canny" offends people who would not be antagonised by a policy of simple striking, but at. the present time that policy is: a crime.—Wangamii "Chronicle."

If any NeAV Zealander needs a stimulus in the direction of selfsacrifice, he should read the statement of Admiral Jellicoe, and the proceedings' of the British Department of Food Control. Even if the knife in New Zealand cuts much more deeply, we will still be excelled in self-sacrifice by the people of the Motherland. —Wellington ' 'Post.''

The German authorities will have to guard against bubonic plague and such things which come from insufficient or bad food. The rich., of course, can escape the consequences, but Avhat of the poor? What sort of vengeance Avill the German people take on their rulers avlio havo betrayed them when they are_ staining and realise that their armies are beaten in the field? They have to face the world of realities and no more will be heartened by the church bells ringing and the flags flying for victories which bring no food. —Toronto "Globe."

We have therefore, as a matter of necessity, to find the men for the reinforcements and. at the same time we have to do our utmost to maintain the production of foodstuffs. If it is not intended to increase our reinforcement drafts, then surely Aye are' in a positioan to maintain those, for the- time being at least, Avithout depleting the country of the skilled farm labour necessary. to maintain' the production of foodstuffs ait the highest possible tev«l.-— Wellington "Dominion." • ; •