TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19352, 4 September 1934, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The Shipping Problem. “ Those who have any idea of the diversity and wide ramifications of the tramp shipping business, with its thousands of units wandering round the world seeking cargo which even in noimal times is constantly varying in amount and direction, will realise the task which the Government have set before the shipowners if the latter are to eliminate competition among themselves, states the Economist. “ The economic weight of this country should be used to get rid of the vicious system which is steadily threatening the survival of international commerce altogether.

“ Wo are strong enough commercially to gather round us a large group who would be prepared to adhere as between themselves to ‘the rules of the game,’ but if need be to resist with their own woapons the actions of those whose policy is destructive of the international economic system. Unless such a plan is formulated and courageously pursued any subsidy for British shipping will he not merely a ‘pis aller,’ hut will saddle upon the Exchequer a burden which, like the old man of the sea, will he extremely hard to shake off. Indeed, it may even add to the confusion of the world’s commerce.” Hitler Commandments. “I demand that every S.A. leader and political leader who shall give public offence by his behaviour shall he expelled. From S.A. leaders especially I want simplicity and no ostentation,” stated the German Leader-Chancellor, in a recent declaration. “I do not wish them to give or receive expensive entertainments. Millions of our members still lack the necessaries of life.

“It is unworthy of the National Socialists to increase still further the chasm that divides those who have been favoured by fortune and tVose who have not. I positively forbid leaders to exploit their party membership to enhance their social position. The luxurious premises in Berlin where expensive entertainments, costing up to 30,000 marks (about £2300 at present rate) monthly were held have now been liquidated.

“I forbid party members, singly and collectively, to give or receive any of the so-called ceremonial dinners or parties with public money, regardless of the purpose desired to attain. I do not wish S.A. leaders to use costly limousines when on service, nor do I wish them to employ parly funds to purchase expensive oars for thenown personal use. This orders holds good for leaders of the political section as well. An S.A. leader or political leader who drinks to excess is unworthy of being a leader.” For the New Britain. “The first obligation of any honest, person at the present time is just this: to tell the (ruth. That is what you can’t do to-da.y in Moscow or Berlin,” writes Dir G. E. G. Gatlin, in New Britain. “What, matters there is not the truth, but the faith. People are wallowing in the sensuous indulgence of all shouting together. In the words of Holy Writ, they ‘ follow after a multiudc to do evil.’ The silencing of free speceli is a great evil.

“ Whatever else may happen to the new Britain, T hope that it will remain a free country, and become so more completely. T hope it will always respect the right lo differ. Both Communists and Fascists come offering bread and security. Bread and security matter a great deal. It may lie said that neither Communism nor Fascism provides what it promises in great quantities. What, at least, neither of them offers is liberty —liberty to differ and experiment. For them it is a luxury.’’