PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17246, 12 January 1924, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION.

[WHAT OTHER WRITERS ARE SAYING. ALMOST IN REACH. Reading between the lines of tho messages cabled from London dealing with the British political situation, one gathers that it is now being taken for granted that Labour is at last going to havo its chance in Britain. Mr Ramsay MacDonald is being continually referred to as the coming Prime Minister. Before tho election, even before the dissolution, that terra was more than once applied to him. But now there is a difference. Then it was used by opponents in sarcasm, by supporters as a kind of poster t.o draw’ attention to something new. which might have a long struggle to get a foothold on the market. Now there is no sarcasm in the reference. Political heat has evaporated such volatile components and has left a residuum of downright fear or of exultant confidence, as the case may be.—Dunedin “ Star.” THE GOLDEN WEST. At tho present moment the West Coast, tho “ Golden West,” where in far-away times there were many romances and tragedies in connection with the quest of the elusive metal—tho greatest pioneer of settlement and colonisation the world over—is in tho midst of her diamond jubilee festivities. Tho event is being- celebrated in West Coast fashion. Nothing more appreciative could be said. Those who from various causes cannot participate in the celebrations will in spirit be with their West Coast friends, and if good wishes on an auspicious occasion count for anything, then the future of the West Coast is indeed bright.— Timaru “Post.” V* TAXATION OF MOTORS. The question of taxing motors fer the maintenance of roads, an essential feature of the main highways policy, has been revived by the speech of the Minister of Public Works on Saturday. It is only fair to presumo that thf Minister has considered all the objer tions against the petrol tax, and only then decided that they are less than those against the flat tax. No doubt he will presently set forth his view in more definite terms, and until he has done so it is neither reasonable ncr creditable to condemn his proposal. The problem is too important and the need for a solution too urgent to talk of fighting the Minister Had he received the intelligent co-operation that his own attitude deserved the matter would have long since been carried to a decision.—“ New Zealand Herald.” A PLEA FOR CO-OPERATION.

The reports of the committees that have recently investigated British agricultural methods and the marketing of produce have a double interest, for New Zealand. Ifc is not only that British prosperity or depression naturally interests tbe most British of the dominions, but that British agriculture is a competitor of the New Zealand producer in the Home market, and the more that is done to improve British methods the more will we have to look to our own. The final report of the Departmental Committee on the distribution and prices of produce is the latest- of many pleas for co-operation in British agriculture. The post-war depression in what, is still the greatest British industry has forced this question to tho front.—Auckland “Star.” A STAGGERING SUM.

Ten million pounds are required, according to the General Manager of Railways (Mr R. W. M'Tilly) to bring the New Zealand railways to a proper 6iate of efficiency. At a direct view this is somewhat staggering, since the sum mentioned presumably relates only to railway improvements and not to extension of the system. From the standpoint of economy, however, it is evident that the railways must be brought as soon as possible to a proper state of efficiency. The heavy prospective expenditure on improvements certainly makes it necessary, as Mr M’Yilly observed, that the most urgent works should take precedence. Even though it runs into very big figures, expenditure wisely made on improvements which will bring down ■working expenditure and facilitate an improvement in railway services will be a profitable investment.—“ Dominion,” ‘Wellington. A PRODUCERS’ PROBLEM. New Zealand producers will find much to interest them in the full report of the Linlithgow Commission on distribution and prices of agricultural produce, when it reaches New Zealand. Tlie Linlithgow Commission believes that economies can be made in the collection and distribution of produce in Great Britain. It is more than likely that that is the case in New Zealand. The consumer, however, cannot help very much in effecting such economies whereas the organised producer can do a verr great deal facilitate them This is a producers’ T>roblem so far as the local New Zealand markets are concerned, and it calls for close attention. The overseas markets are already receiving that attention in respect to dairy produce and meat.—“ Post.” "Wellington. TWO SIDES TO ITALY. There is so much that is picturesque and arresting about Italian political methods as displayed during the last year or more, that they threaten to obscure another and far from negligible side of Italian life. There is abundant evidence that while public life has been the prey of turmoil and dissension, trade and industry have been prosecuted with unabated -vigour. To the British mind there is something entirely incongruous in tbe idea that practical business methods can reside in a mind which accepts the policy of adventure ruling Italian public life at present. Yet Mussolini and his followers continue to administer the affairs of tbe nation, while manufacturers merchants, shipping firms and primary producers are all expanding their activities steadily.— 'New Zealand Herald * Auckland. R ACING It is difficult to follow the principles which guide the Minister of Internal Affairs in the administration of that part of his Department’s business which relates to racing and trotting meetings. Recently the Lake Countv Racing Club, in default of securing Ministerial consent to the conversion of its two days’ totalisator permit from a racing to a trotting fixture, relinquished the privilege altogether, though for this year only The logical sequence to such an action was that the permit should have become available to the club next on the waiting list of the Dunedin District Committee, such club, in this instance, being the institution controlling the soort at Riverton. But an amazing thing occurred. Instead of pursuing a course of action dictated by precedent and justice, the Minister rode rough-shod over the legitimate claims of Southland, ignored The jnstice of Riverton’s application. and transferred the permit in two sections,

granting ;t one day’s totalisator permit to a club in the Premier’s own electorate and a similar privilege to Mataraata. which was a Reform stroxghoH at the last- bv-electiop for Xatiraug*,— * •" Southland