PUBLIC OPINION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2501, 14 May 1909, Page 2

PUBLIC OPINION.

E.NCOOUd.NO LOCAL IXDL'STKY.

Protection, so far as"it means tlie attempt to defend local industries against ..outside, .competition and to foster their [growth hv any rational method, is not only the fiscal policy of the Dominion, but the industrial creed of nearly every intelligent elector in New Zealand. We need not spend ! time in arguing about the theory of protection ■■■just now,; but avo do not expect,anybody to deny that the encouragement of local industries lias, been formally accepted by this country and its people 'as a definite public duty. Under the circumstances. it is only reasonable to assume that our representative public bodies, and more especially those that, are directly interested in industrial and commercial affairs, shall give full effect to our national policy whenever they can do so without prejudicing the-in-terests entrusted to their * charge.“Auckland Star.” CATHOLICS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE. : ; The cry of “stuffing the Public Service with Papists” is no longer a safe one to raise in New Zealand. It is seldom heard mow a days, even on the July platform or amidst the clamorous party cries of an election campaign. When voiced to-day, it is usually spoken of in soft and mincing undertones, and with doubts and “ifs” and qualifications. For the facts are readily accessible to those who care to investigate. Investigation discloses results which make it a wise policy on the part of those most inclined to clamor, not to direct public attention too forcibly to the facts of the case. .For stated reasons we have been opposed to Catholic young men—especially those of grit and industry and energy—wasting their lives “watching the clock,” and waiting and sighing for retired men’s chairs or dead men’s shoes. Catholic young men with brains and “push” will readily discover other occupations in which their qualities will find speedier and better recompense than they are ever likely to receive in the Public Service. —“New Zealand Tablet.” TERAWHITI SHOULD BE LIT. The reasons for erecting most of the lighthouses on the New Zealand coast have been wreck and loss of life in the vicinity. When the citizens recall the huxtering spirit in which Mr. Millar’s predecessor approached the question of lighting the entrance to-Wellington harbor a few years ago, they will not be surprised at the DepartmentVattitudo on the present question. It would be well if Ministers would make _ themselves familiar with the opinions of practical men as to the [ real position. The Penguin was wrecked'” at Terawhiti with a .loss of over seventy lives. Until a light is established there wo have no guarantee that a similar casualty may not occur at any time.— ‘-‘New Zealand Times!” THE DISTRICT COURT. The Attorney-General has indicated that it may he arranged that sittings of the Supreme Court shall be held in centres in which tlie District- Court has hitherto sat to dispose of business that may have arisen there, but avo should imagine that it would be'possible by the appointment of magistrates with extended jurisdiction, to secure that the bulk of the trifling business done by the District Court should be overtaken without any enlargements of the circuits of the . Judges of the Supreme Court. In anv event, the case for the retention of the District Courts is so feeble that it absolutely crumbles away under examination.—“Otago Daily Times.” OUR FINANCES. It is possible that Sir Joseph Ward may desire to make, his decrease in revenue hv an increased borrowing, and it would be like lifting up a voice in the wilderness to decry one of the financial principles of New Zealand’s finance. Our progress has receßed a check, and no one in his senses could haA r e imagined we could escape, it at the pace we were going. We have not to wait the triumph of the Government’s retrenchment' proposals to ascertain exactly where' we are.—“ North Otago Times.” NATIONAL DEFENCE.

The Prime Minister did not take his audience at liwercargi]] into liis confidence respecting the nature of the amendments that are contemplated in the defence system. We are disposed to infer, however, that they will not amount to much that will be valuable! Sir Joseph Ward i.g. actually inclined to think highly of the present organisation. .-If the Prime Minister is satisfied ivith a paper army of tlie kind that exists in tlie. Dominion, it is, we fear, hopeless to look for any measure of useful reform from him. —“Otago .Daily Times.”