JOHN BULL AND CO.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 115, 14 May 1920, Page 5

JOHN BULL AND CO.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS. CLEARING ROUS- XR LONDON. (By CSble.—Press .Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, May 13. A large number of members of the House of Commons attended . the luncheon tendered to-day to Sir. W. A. Watt, Federal Treasurer, by the Empire Parliamentary Association. Viscount Milner, Secretary of State for the Colonies, who presided, in proposing the health of the guest, said that the close of the war and the Peace Conference saw the British Empire Delegation dispersed. It might not be poa.Bi.le at an early date to have that body reassembled, but reassemble it must, in order to maintain the co-operation-which was even more necessary in peace, if the Empire was to maintain its place in. the world. Meanwhile they must do their best to keep the various units in touch. More could be Achieved in a few hours round a table than in weeks of correspondence at long range. Thus it was with the liveliest satisfaction that he welcomed Mr. Watt's arrival.

Lord Milner said he felt sure that the presence of Mr. Watt would lead to the settlement of many questions affecting Britain and Australia which it would be tnore difficult to settle, if it were possible to settle them at. all, without his presence. He cordially agreed with Mr. Watt's simile of John Bull and Co.j but we must fit our arrangements to the peculiar constitution of the firm. It consisted of a number of branches, the boards of which were practically indedendent in dealing with matters of their own interest, in which freedom was the greatest essential. On the, other hand, in dealing with their common interests, there was a danger of muddle unless these boards could be kept jti touch and a complete interchange of views secured before final action was taken.

The speaker said he felt.confident that with all the cards on the table they woiild never take conflicting action. The supreme importance of keeping' the business' together would always prevent that. Since the World was continually moving things could not wait until John Bull and Co. could meet to talk things oyer. There should be established some. sort of clearing-house for the. exchange of views! Would -it not be of the highest utility, .'to hare ~ such a clearinghouse in .this country, where the board of the oldest branch whs situated? There should be a Standing Committee, on which every branch was represented. Would h> not be possible to. have a.Minister always here, not always the same man, for .frequent changes would bring, the . latest- ideas . from tbe respective' units? '.'...

. Mr. Watt, feplying, said the. Empire to-day presented problems calling for earnest thought. The Dominions in the war at the, Peace Conference..and in tlje League of Nations had acquired a new. status. They were jealous - oil their local autonomy, and thought there was no necessity for any infraction or limitation of that autonomy. He. believed there would shortly be. a vast stride in Federalism, and that ,tbe statutory Convention would confer wider-powers on the-federation. He invited the Parliamentary Association, if. possible, to send a delegation to observe the proceedings of the Convention when it assembled. He concluded by declaring that the cement that bound the Empire now and in the future was pride, of race, rather than any organic measure , • Mr. Watt agreed with the idea of closer communion by having. Ministers in London with changing. personnel in constant touch with- the Home Government. .Dealing with the Peace Treaty, he said that, steps must be taken to see that the Empire's voice on international affairs comes through one lip. This would not mean that overseas opinion would .riot be articulate on. such matters. Mr. Watt defended the white Australia policy Ibis doctrine meant that if there was to be negotiations between. Britain and the Mikado, Australia wanted her views . consulted arid registered. They must at all hazards preserve the spirit of the Empire, League of Nations' or no league. . .. ■ Australia believed the Empire wis essential to her existence. . Australia had many problems for solution, family consultation, was necessary, hut they would muddle their way or work their way through therii all.—(A. and N.Z.)