27 APRIL 1912, Page 19

If our aim were to see the Government embarrassed and

discredited and the Insurance Act hopelessly prejudiced in the eyes of the public, we should view the decision of the Government to bring the Act into operation in the middle of July with pleasure. As, however, we are not mere political partisans who want a political triumph at all costs, we can only express our regret that the Government should insist upon preparing for themselves the humiliation which will assuredly follow their action. In any case there is danger of passive resistance to the Act, but that danger will be multi. plied enormously if it is patent to all, as it will be, that the Government have not really made provision for carrying out the Act except in the matter of receiving contributions.