Notes and Comments

Waikato Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1438, 23 April 1914, Page 4

Notes and Comments

> THE BUTTEE TEADE

Eli ports have reached Sydney from Ran Francisco that butter of an inferior quality, and graded as first class, has been shipped to America I’rom New Zealand. Inquiries made in Wellington indicate that some lines which have only just passed as first-grade have been exported, while, others have been allowed to deteriorate through delay in placing them in the freezing chambers. It is unfortunate that these things should happen at a period when v/e are endeavoring to build up a trade in butter with America A more rigid system of Government inspection would appear to be necessary, and greater care both in the manufacture and handling of our produce. If New Zealand butter gets a bad name on the American market, it will take many years to break down the prejudice thus created. , MONEY TO LEND. One of the most pleasing announcements made by the Hon. James Allen at Milton was that the Advances Department was now on a satisfactory footing, and that the Government was perpared to make substantial increases in the maximum advances to local bodies and settlers. When the Massey Administration came to office, it discovered that the Advances Department in a very bad way, the funds having been distributed in an almost reckless manner, leaving liabilities approximating to £700,000. It is enough for the Opposition to criticise the Government for having Jailed to make advances approximating those of the so-called “ Liberal ” Government: Had’ it attempted any such thing, it would have placed | tbe Department in a most awkward position. It has done the proper thing in straightening out the finances of the xMlvances Department, and when the facts are fully understood the constituencies will.appreciate the actions of the Government, and endorse its methods of administration, ' f THE TOTaLISATOE. Ii is computed that, within the last fortnight, very nearly half a million of money has been put through the totalisator in New Zealand. It may be reckoned that a sum equal, probably, to half this amount, has been invested with the bookmaking fra7mjfcy> which does not legally exist. With the particular forms of gambling we are not-concerned. If one form is good for the community, the other cannot be morally bad. What we are really concerned to know is the significance of the enormous increase in our betting transactions, is it evidence of the immense prosperity of the country (, Or, does it | imply a stronger public sentiment in I favor of gambling? The figures i that have been published of late I an interesting study for socio- | legists- Age, Masterton.