PUBLIC OPINION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2496, 8 May 1909, Page 6

PUBLIC OPINION.

THE' PREMIER’S > SPEECH

Despite the. frenzied efforts of the Ministerial journals to work up interest in the Premier’s “great policy speech,” the pronouncement at Invercargill does not carry with it, much, conviction or bear the impression of inspiration. For weeks we have been told of the crushing reply the Prime Minister would make to his critics, and the masterly defence he would oppose to the onslaughts of the Opposition. The first part, of his address was devoted, in the customary manlier with the Premier, to a statement of increases and decreases in revenue and expenditure, and to attempts to demonstrate that the financial position of the Dominion was “exceoingly satisfactory.”- Even lie has to admit, however, a decrease in revenue of £54,761, as compared with the previous year, and he feels that “a reduction in our annual expenditure must be made.” He attributes the tightness in the monev market to the deficiency of £3,000,000 in the wool money, the fall in flax, and the locking up of money in land, regardless altogether of the fact that one of his Ministers, on a previous occasion, has declared that a reduction in wool values is only felt by) a few large owners, “the wool kings.” How are the two statements to bo reconciled? —“Manawatu Standard^” ALCOHOL AND INSANITY. Intoxication, whether transient or habitual, is insanity. And while the alcoholic degenerate may be legally held irresponsible for his final fact, what shall be said of those who, knowing his weakness, supply him with drink?, AVhat of the responsibility of those who are taking the first steps in intemperance? While much reform is urgently needed in our dealings with drunkards, the greatest need is to stop the manufacture of them. And an ever-increasing portion of the inhabitants of our country are becoming convinced that the no-license system is the best means available of attaining this end, and thus preventing such tragedies as the recent one at Waitara, and others perhaps more heart-rending that never come before the public.—“Chitlia Leader.” POWER OF THE WORKERS. Profit-sharing,, that system which has been adopted by large employers of labor in Great Britain may do much to restore the shaken confidence of the ranks of labor and the results of the experiments will be awaited with interest. Any movement or scheme which tends. to conduce to better understanding between employer and employee is welcome; it will tend to quicken flagging energy and promote an ideal the very effort of attaining to which will be beneficial. Industrial unheavals are always to be deplored, and the very fact of their eternal imminence is a reason why every nerve should be strained on both sides to eo conduct affairs and treat the men that they may be avoided. Bitter experience has taught many a worker that- the last resource —a strike—proves too often to be a weapon whose recoil has to be reckoned with; it is a finality that might very well be dispensed with, with relief to all concerned.——“Mataura Ensign.”

THE COMMERCIAL VIEW. So long as the country is dependent on foreign capital and is subject to outside competition, any good that might result front.experiments in wealth re-distribution is more than counterbalanced by the harm which is caused by the discouragement of the outside investor. Wliafi the speakers at the Chamber of Commerce Conference said the critics of the Government have been saying for a long time. Whatever reasons the Government may give for refusing to believe their critics, they cannot ignore the importance of the view which is-taken of their policy by the' official representatives of the commercial interests of the whole country.—The “Dominion.” ENERGETIC MUNICIPAL ACTION.

There is very frequently evinced on bodies like the Auckland city council a tremulous disposition to forget that Auckland is becoming a great commercial and industrial centre. From this cause arise these spasmodic attempts to check legitm&tive expenditure and stop necessary works, with which we are all acquainted. These panics become less marked as the public mind, becoming more accustomed to the progress of Auckland, reflects itself even •in the weakest representative, but we may still expect them in Auckland municipal affairs whenever the progressive element relaxes its grip upon the reins of authority- and ceases to hold public attention and approval by energetic action upon the promising lines agreed upon.—“ New Zealand Herald.”