Answer to Correspondent

To G.S.B. —The Editor of this journal does not “loathe politicians”; but, with all his heart and soul, he does hate the system which produces professional politicians and the inevitable result of professionalism in politics—namely, bureaucrats and bureaucracy. There are many admirable men in the seven Australian Parliaments; but how many of them make any real effort to reform the rotten system! Having been elected to Parliament, they are well content to sit around in the pleasant social clubs that are provided for them (Aus tralian Parliaments are noted for their comfort) and leave the actual work of government to “public servants,” who actually are responsible to nobody, and who often use their considerable powers very tyrannically. ‘ls it any wonder therefore, that one develops strong feeling concerning all members of Parliament! This writer worked for years as a pressman in various Parliaments — New Zealand, Commonwealth, N.S.W., and House of Commons, particularly—and is well acquainted with the conditions of parliamentary life, and the laziness and uselessness of the great majority of members.

Mr. G. H. Hume, of Melbourne, was elected a director of Nasivi (Fiji) Gold Syndicate, N.L., in July.

The Newcastle and Hunter River Steamship Co.’s intrastate vessel Gwydir has been fitted by Amalgamated Wireless (Aust.) Ltd. with apparatus enabling the master to ’phone the company’s offices in Sydney and Newcastle while sailing be tween those ports.