WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 44, 7 July 1917, Page 3

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

AS the people of this country as a whole are interested in the Bank of New Zealand—for the Government holds three-quarters million of fully paidup stock in its capital—it is interesting to note that for the year under review the Bank made net profits at the rate of £1000 per day.—Napier " Telegraph."

Even the minority of labour unionists who, although essentially the fighting men of their class, hare adopted antimilitarism as part of their war-cry, are as convinced of victory in the war as the most ardent patriot. Only they selfishly stand back to let the other fellow go to the war, while they battle for more wages and less work. It is this class more than to any other that the complaints of indifference apply.—Carterton " News."

There are not a few, even in New Zealand, who are not above trying to amass wealth out of their country's dire necessity, and it may be that some, of them are doing so. Enormous sums of money have been poured into this country since the outbreak of the war, and these must have gone into some people's pockets, for they did not go into the State's coffers. Of course no person, and no clas.* of persons, will admit having made big profits out of the war, but the money has come into the country, and somebody has got it.—Rotorua " Chronicle."

There is a phase of the administration which seems to us to display a striking lack of appreciation of the fitness of things. We refer to the birthday honours. Among those considered worthy of Royal favour were the commandants of the two military camps. These officers may have a record of splendid service to their credit, but their" claim upon the consideration of the Government, who, of course, recommend the deserving ones for honours, pale into insignificance before the claims of thousands of worthy men throughout the Dominion, wko have rendered invaluable and self-sacrificing national services.—Oamaru" Times."

The Depaj tment fdr Returned Soldiers is a mere political futility. ' Some time ago, it was stated from the- front that a large proportion of men woul2 never return to their civilian employment, and were dependent on the assurance that land would be provided for them on which to settle. Where is' that land 1 It is sadly failing to materialise. Certainly, a few soldiers have been successfully placed on blocks such as the,. one near Ormondville. For the most part, however, the soldiers are unable to obtain suitable land. In some instances, indefensible purchases of unsuitable land have been made, and these should certainly be severely reviewtd by Parliament.—Wellington " Times."

The proper way to meet the high cost of living is by individual economy, and Mr Beauchamp has done well to emphasise this by pointing out that if the war continues much longer the call for economy will ere. long be proclaimed in ways that will necessitate a more genuine respons-e than has so far been given to the appeal. — New Plymouth " Herald "

Now that her great task seems to be nearly at its maximum, Britain and her Allies will be supported by the United States and Prussian ism must kntfw that its overthrow is certain. Because of its very nature it will continue on until it is so reduced in power as to be unable to re*ist further. How long it will take before that stage will be leached depends on many factors, but it seems that, this summer should hee the end, especially if, as we believe, Russia resumes activity on the East Front.— Greymouth " Argus."