PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10441, 22 April 1912, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM SATURDAY'S NEWSPAPERS,

(By Telegraph.)

THE LABOUR PARTY'S PLATFORM We are disappointed that the Conference, containing as it did so many broad-minded men, did not conceive the desirability (and give it practical shape) of permitting the wives of the workers an opportunity of expressing their opinions at the ballot boxes before that last resort is resolved on. Time' and again it has been proved by bitter experience that it is the mothers and children who have to bear the stress and strain of any prolonged struggle, and it is not fair— it is inhuman—to put them in what is really the fighting Hue, for too often it is for thorn a struggle for bare existence, as the most recent coal strike amply demonstrated, without'them voting on the issue which may bring them to the point of starvation. But we 6till pin our faith to the advantages of beneficent, rational and sensibly-administer-ed comDulsorv arbitration Dunedin "Star."" BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. There are cogent reasons at the back of the belief entertained by many that tho present secularity of our educational system ought not to be disturbed; but an appeal to public opinion upon the whole question would clear the air and whichever way the verdict should go the people should be quite capable of interpreting the judgment that might be expressed.—"Otago Daily Times." THE PUBLIC AND " ITS SERVANTS. It is a much forgotten truism that good local government demands the existence of a vigilant public as well as competent governors. It is natural for a council to take its cue from the public which it represents.- A strong council can have its fibre turned to slackness and softness by the apathy or carelessness of citizens. A weak council will not tone up a sluggish public, but a watchful public can strengthen a weak council _or replace it with a better ono. It is for the public to selict cood or indifferent government, and it is not unusual for the public to get an'indifferent dispensation simply because the public has not bothered to get anything better.—" Evening Post." THE TITANIC TRAGEDY. Public feeling, which has already been so deeply stirred by the calamity of the Titanic, as evidenced by the widespread expressions of sympathy and the eager response to the appeal for aid for such of the survivors as mav need it, and also for the relatives of those lost, will bo still further moved by the details now 'coming to hand. Public opinion also, it is certain, will be strengthened in tho determination that the question of tho safety appliances on these large ocean-going vessels should be thoroughly examined into, and the risks to passengers and crew minimised _bj- adequately supplementing the existing provison wherever inquiry shows it to be necessary.—" Dominion."