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Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14565, 16 January 1913, Page 6

It is tho eleventh hour in tho peaco negotiations. The Allies havo dccid'ecl to break off negotiations simultaneously with tho delivery of the Powers' Note to Turkey, and' instruct their Com- ■ manders to terminate the armistice, and the issue of peace or war now seems to depend on tho ability of the Powers to persuade Turkey to give up Adrianople. That seems to be doubtful, for it is stated that it was on finding out that the Powers did not intend to use pressure that the Allies decided to continue the war. The question of the _Egcan Islands would apparently ho decided in favour of Turkey, in spite of Greek protests. Tlie weakening of the Powers' attitude is said to be due to Germany, which has made alterations in the Noto to be presented to Turkey. It has been reported that Germany and England have been working in harmony sinco the war began, but probably Germany is now moved by a desire to play her old part of chief friend of tho Porte.

There is no reason to doubt tho interesting statement of "The Times" that Lord Haldane's speech announcing the new education policy surprised somo of his colleagues, and that the matter had not come before the Cabinet. That an important development of policy should bo announced in this fashion is in keeping with tho want of discipline that has been a characteristic of the Liberal Ministry. Several times members of the Ministry, major and minor, have seriously embarrassed the Prime •Minister and his colloagues by making unauthorised excursions into unexplored political waters. Tho incident is also an illustration of tho growth of the inner Cabinet. Tho present full Cabinet consists of about twenty members, which is too many if Cabinet is to do the work it is supposed to do. Tho result is that more and moro power falls into the hands of an inner ring. Which Ministers constitute this inner ring is not known for certain, but in this case the development seems to have been agreed upon by Lord Haldane, Mr Asquith, Mr Lloyd George, and Mr J. A. Pease, the Minister for Education. Tho last named is one of tho rank and file of Ministers. Mr Churchill and Sir Edward Grey are generally believed to be in the inner circle. The latter is too busy at the Foreign Office to worry about education reform, but what was Mr Churchill doing that he did not have his finger in this pio?

Wo are glad to see that tho Mayor, in his statements about municipal works which he considers more important than a second tepid bath, says that "ono of the first necessities" is a Town Hall and new Council offices. This shows that tho Town Hall movement is not so dead as one might suppose. W T hen it was brought up before the City Council a few years ago thero was little or no enthusiasm behind it, and the business was unskilfully handled. Taken in hand by an energetic busi-ness-like Mayor who is convinced of the necessity for a Town Hall, the movement would stand a much better chance of success.

Many peoplo who havo travelled to the Old Country will learn with regret that Captain Kempson, the veteran commander of the Athenic, is now on his last voyage, and will retire to take tip a shore iwsition when ho reaches England again. Captain Kempson's career, as will bo seen from the interview with him that wo publish elsewhere, covers nearly tho whole of the history of tho White Star line, and whilo ho actually joined the company's service before they had a steamer in the fleet, ho came to command the largest liner travelling to New Zealand. When our reporter asked Captain

Kempson about exciting incidents in his long career oi over forty years, he had iittle to say, but we may take it that the fact that in all those years nothing serious has happened to any ship on which ho was serving, is duo as much to his skill as to good luck. Behind every splendid record such as Captain Kempson can look back upon, is a stirring story of dangers avoided and difficulties overcome, if only it could bo told. By his courtesy and friendliness, as well as by his skill as a navigator, Captain Kempson has won tho regard of the travelling public, who will bo glad to know that, as he is to be stationed at Plymouth, he will bo able to keep in touch with the T>ominion in which he has so many friends.

In appointing Mr 11. W. Northcroft Resident Commissioner of the Cook Islands, tho Government havo made an excellent choice. Mr Northcroft distinguished himself in tho Maori war, and for many years subsequently did admirable work on tho Magisterial Benoh. He was thought a great dee of as a magistrate, for ho combine!, strength with a judicial mind, a combination that should stand him in' good stead in his new position. His knowledge of tho Maori race should help him materially in governing a nativo population. A highly caapble. strong man of very high character, ho should do very well as administrator of tho Cook Islands, and tho Government aro to be congratulated on tho appointment.