PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17217, 7 December 1923, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION.

WHAT OTHER WRITERS ARE SAYING.

ALL ABOUT A POSTAGE STAMP

After all, the genius responsible for using a postage stamp to advertise a dominion has certainly sensed very accurately the Government’s conception of the scope and value of publicity. Judging by the way New' Zealand is advertised, a postage stamp Mould just about carry all that our politicians think should be expended on placing us on tho map.—‘ Manawatu Daily Times.” BRITISH ELECTIONS. The power of authorising a dissolution of Parliament rests with the King, who acts judicially on constitutional principles; but, apart from this consideration, it is obvious that another appeal to the country at no distant date might be unavoidable if to-day’s trial of strength M'ere to produce a hopelessly inconclusive result. The occurrence of disorderly intolerance at public meetings during tho campaign, though not novel except in the extent to which it has been carried, has a sinister significance. Perhaps an extenuating circumstance may be said to exist in the prevJrtqnce of unemployment and in the proverbially mischievous tendencies of idleness.— “ Otago Daily Times.’’ SPAHLINGER CURE. *

Before this country is committed to the proposed 4 arge expenditure, more information should be given regarding the opinions formed by Homeland and foreign experts who have investigated Dr Spahlinger’s methods. Quite apart from possible monetary loss, if the Dominion gives its official blessing to the Spahlmger remedy, and this ultimately proved a failure, great harm M ould be done to those consumptives who had turned meanwhile from other avenues of hope. The question is reallv one for experts, and when these for the most part agree, it is' risky for laymen, whatever their politics, to tell them thev must be w'rong. —Greymouth “ Star.”

PRISONERS AND PROBATION. The position disclosed with regard to the after fate of offenders in this class who are released by the Prisons Board is, however, very obviously one that calls for a remedy. The last report of the Prisons Board shows that the effects of release on probation are excellent in the case of reformative detention prisoners, but very much less satisfactory in the case of habitual criminals. . . . It is a serious aspect of the position that over one-fifth of the habitual criminals released are on record as having “left the Dominion or absconded ” Presumably if these particular probation's had marlq good there w'ould be no difficulty in ascertaining their present whereabouts. —Wellington “ Dominion.” SPAHLINGER’S SERUM. There is no evidence strong enough to enable anyone to prophesy success for the Spahlinger serum, though it is clear that many medical men are impressed by the achievements recorded so far. The suggestion thirf; Dr Blackmore, of Christchurch, oirf most prominent tuberculosis specialist, should investigate this matter during his visit to Europe is excellent, but there should be behind his inquiry- some guarantee thkt if his report is favourable Government aid should be forthcoming. About the Spahlinger serum there are many, things which are difficult to 'understand, and if Dr Blackmore’s inquiry is merely going to add to the indefinite reports already in existence little good can be expected.—Southland “Times.” FUNDS FOR PUBLICITY. Publicity work for New Zealand _is an activity in which there is scope for both local and Government effort. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has recognised this, and "is providing funds so that it may do its share. It is, therefore, entitled to urge the Government to do more. No doubt publicity will pay. but the payment may not be direct, and under such circumstances it is usually difficult to provide funds. The president of the chamber has suggested a method which is- n*e believe, worthy of examination. The proposal made by Mr Myers is thsft the primage duty of 1 per cent, imposed upon imports as a war tax, should be retained, and the revenue enplied to advertising the Dominion. There are objections to ear-marking Government revenues unless the revenue and proposed method of expenditure are connected, as wit. hit he tyre duty for road-making; but Mrfelyers’s object may be attained without- a definite ear-marking.—Wel-lington “Post.” EMPTY RHETORIC. It is improbable that either Air Massey or Sir James Allen declared in as many M-ords that settlement land is scarce in this Dominion, but repeatedly both of them have conveyed the impression that there are no farms available for the men who desire to engage in accordance with modern requireThe Government has no sane policy of settlement. Ministers have spoken of the need for increased production, and some have even mentioned intensive cultivation in an apologetic manner which suggested that they did not me a'n it. But this sort of talk has been going on for'five or six years now. and at the end of that period t-lie British delegation was permitted to leave New' Zealand under the impression that all the land was settled definitely and permanently. What we want in New Zealand is the entire revision of the system. Not only is there too much unoccupied land, bui the areas already held are much too large to work profitably. It is the dutv of the Government t% have the holdings subdivided in accordance with modern acquirements. and also to ensure that the owners are getting reasonable returns from the land. —Southland “ News.”