PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9213, 16 April 1908, Page 1

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY'S NEWS-

PAPERS

(By Telegraph.)

BETTER STEAMERS

Although the shipping companies of the colony have done yeoman service and are organisations of which we have every reason to be nationally proud, it must be confessed that they are not keeping pace with the demands being made upon them both by passengers and traders. Overcrowding has become so common on the coast that it is almost accepted as an inevitable state of affairs, whereas it ought to be an ex- 1 ceedingly exceptional and occasional happening. What is true of the coasting services is equally true of the more extended run to the Commqnwealth. The Auckland-Sydney steamers are perpetually crowded and are not now the class of steamers which progressive I ideas lead travellers to expect. The Sydney steamers, although usually good of their class, are relatively inferior to those which make somewhat similar i runs in other parfca of the world. — "New Zealand Herald." THE AMERICAN FLEET. This is the first occasion on which America has made any demonstration of her naval strength in foreign waters, and the visit of the Pacific squadron is certainly intended as a sign of that I good feeling and friendship which we hope will always unite all sections and families of the Anglo-Saxon race. Amerioans know little about these colonies. They barely recognise their existence, and they certainly do not appreciate their possibilities. We have now an unprecedented opportunity for opening their eyes, and for the sake of our materiel interests, as well ac with the object of prompting a friendly understanding with the great English-speak-ing power that now threatens to domi-. nate the Pacific, we must do our best to make this national welcome to the American fleet a complete success. — "Auckland Star." THE WHEAT MARKET. The dominion is not the wheat producer of years ago, but the movements upwards in this cereal are at all times welcome to farmers. They participated to a considerable extent in the upward movements last harvest, and a fair amount of sowing will doubtless follow this winter.—" New Zealand Times." ON SERVICE. New Zealand will never be fully defended until her people have provided everything possible in preparedness for defence. Then we can face the future with satisfaction. Whatever misfortune may come, we shall have done our best to meet it. But if the years should hold attack and disaster, and if, while we are beaten back by attack we should know that our own sloth, or greed, or inefficiency has invited disaster, then, indeed, we should perish miserably in the midst of our valour. The best way to maintain peace is to be always prepared for war, and the only adequate preparation for war is all the preparation that is possible. — " Evening Post."