HEREDITARY TITLES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 192, 14 August 1911, Page 6

HEREDITARY TITLES.

(To the Editor.J Sir, —Your very instructive and timely leading article of the sth merits the approval of all those who object to the acceptance by our Premier of a hereditary title. Since reading your previous article on the subject I have been greatly surprised that no public meeting has been called to protest against what can be nothing less than a deliberate attempt to lay the foundation in this democratic country of a privileged class. Probably those who have seriously considered the matter think it better to wait till Sir Joseph's arrival, so a-s to give him an opportunity (if he think it necessary) of explaining his position. In any discussion that may arise, either in Parliament or outside, it is to be hoped that the admitted abilities and virtues of the man will not be allowed to olv scure a vi ion of the evils that must surely follow ,if the people of this country allow their public men to accept hereditary titles. Surely the people of New Zealand want no better object lesson than that shown by the state of political affairs in England to-day, and which has been brought about entirely by the selfishness and utter disregard of the wishes and welfare of the masses shown by those placed in power owing to their hereditary titles. Tt is quite safe to say that no other but a lawabiding people like the British would have so long submitted peacefully to such monstrous injustice and humiliating treatment as has been meted out to them by their titled oppressors. Their nearest neighbours, the French, owing to the 'brutal treatment by their titled rulers were goaded into their bloody revolution, with all its accompanying horrors, and then learnt a lesson that will never be forgotten in France, and that lesson has resulted in the form of government existing in France to-day, which, whilst it lasts, precludes any possibility of reinstating hereditary titles. Therefore, the people of this country must be prepared to nip in the bud any attempt to produce a growth, the fruit of which must \k evil. And I would also suggest that, the aceeption of life titles by our public men should be discouraged. Our Cabinet Ministers and judVea arc well paid for their services to the State, ami the social distinction of "the Honourable - ' in one case and "His Honor Judge So-and-So" in the other, should be a sufficient compliment for any individual, without having a titular prefix attached t his name.—l am, eta, WALTER CRISP.