NEW ZEALAND HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 1, 2 January 1924, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND HONOURS.

The New Zealand section of the New Year honours is shorter and more interesting than usual. The only surprise about the knighthood conferred on the Hon. A. M. Myers is that it was not given some time ago. Men who deserved such distinction less than he did were given precedence over him. There will be general approval of the bestowal of this honour on one who has worked so capably and disinterestedly in both local and national politics and is so well liked for his kindly disposition. Especially will there be satisfaction in this city, for Sir Arthur Myers has been one of the makers of modern Auckland in the legislative sense, and a generous benefactor to the community. Tlic honour given to Dr. Lindo Ferguson, of Dunedin, is a tribute not only to an able doctor of high character, whose reputation extends far beyond his own city, but to the national Medical School, of which ho is the head. It also honours the profession in New Zealand in a

manner in which it has long been j honoured at Home, and what calling deserves such recognition more than medicine? If the honours system is to be retained its scope should be widened. It is an anomaly that while so many ; knighthoods are given to soldiers, statesmen, and business men, a man like Dr. Truby King, who lias started a movement that has saved thousands of lives, and has a reputation in distant circles where, probably little is known of New Zealand, should be left in the ranks of "Companions." The Government would have done well to bracket Dr. King with Dr. Ferguson, and we hope that the former's elevation will not: be long delayed. j