Sir lan Hamilton.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14956, 1 May 1914, Page 6

Sir lan Hamilton.

Loyal as is tho Dominion as a whole, and keen as is its interest in the affairs of the Empire, tho ties which bind Canterbury to tho Motherland, and aro especially close, and in no other part of the Dominion is thero a warmer prido in the traditions of tho race, or more cordial appreciation of tho work of those who have helped to make tho Empire great. It is this bond of interest and sympathy with th© Motherland that makes most of out English visitors say that in Canterbury they feel peculiarly at home. This being so, wo feed suro that thero is no need to bespeak a hearty welcomo for the distinguished soldier who is now in our midst, and who to-day wiQ inspect tho Territorials in camp at Kowai. Sir lan Hamilton's gallant exploits in the

South African "War wero followed by the people of this country" with admiration and delight, and they wero all the prouder of his achievements because tho troops under his command in the last stage of tho war included somo New Zealanders. Sir lan Hamilton's tour of inspection of the Defence Forces of tho Empire is as important a mission as could bo entrusted to any man. Wo feel sure that ho will bo able to do good service not only by assisting to co-ordinate these scattered systems, welding them into a more effective whole, but tho very presence of such a keen and ablo commander cannot fail to infuse fresh life into tho movement by inspirin.2 the officers with higher ideals and stirring up enthusiasm among tho men. Apart from this it i.s good for laritons in the outer marches of the Empiro to sc-o something from timo to tiino of tho leaders who aro helping; to shape its destinies. The visits of such men as Lord Bryce. author, statesman, and diplomatist, that fine sailor Captain Halsey, and tho distinguished representative of the army now with us, exert an influence, subtle perhaps, but farreaching in creating an Imperial sentiment and moulding tho very characters of the people.

Both tho Government and the public aro to be congratulated on the appointment of Mr Raymond, K.C., as Crown Prosecutor for Canterbury. Tho Cabinet has been in no hurry to fill up tho vacancy caused by the elevation of Mr (Stringer, K.C., to tho Bench, and there has been some littlo criticism regarding tho delay. Evidently tho Government was very anxious to secure someone in every way suited to a position which Mr Stringer had raised to a very high standard of excellence. "Wo have no doubt that tho choice it has mado will bo approved by tho profession as well as by the public.

The spokesman of a deputation of unemployed that waited on the (Queensland Treasurer the other day confessed that he did not like work. In that he resembles many other people, not- all of whom, however, would bo so candid. "I cats well, and I sleeps well,"' said a burly bluejacket to the ship's doctor, who had enquired what was the matter with him, "but when it comes to a job of work, I'm all of a tremble." But no attention would have been paid to this Queensland deputation leader had ho not gone on to see that "it was only tho social system that made men work." Apparently he is a disciple of tho Tom Mann school, wliich .thinks that work can be cut down to a fraction of its present amount, and no ono bo a penny the worse.' Ono wonders what these work-shy individuals would do with their abundant leisure if they got it.

The opposition of tho Convocation of Canterbury to tho recommendations of tho Divorco Commission was to be expected, but it is worthy of noto as indicating tho great difficulties in the way of legislating to give effect to tho Commission's report. There is probably no subject on which public and Parliamentary opinion is more divided. Tho Established Church itself is not united on tho question, and tho High Church Party will fight any legislation to tho last ditch. It is very satisfactory, however, to find that Convocation is in favour of making men and women equal before tho law in respect to divorco. It ia tho greatest defect in the English law that whilo a man can divorco his wife for adultery, a wife has to provo cruelty or desertion, as well as misconduct, on tho part of her husband. Unfortunately reform on this point will probably be deferred by tho differences of opinion on other proposed changes iv the law.

Tho trouble in Mexico is a serious matter to tho world of commerce. A cable messago the other day mentioned the effect of the continued turmoil on tho silver market. This morning a messago refers to the oil industry. Tampico, ono of tho Mexican Gulf ports so frequently mentioned these days, has developed an enormous oil export trade in a short while. Tho oil sent out from Tampico now aggregates 300,000 tons a mouth, and when additional vessels now on order havo been put into service, the tonnage will be several times greater. It is estimated that 285,000,000 dollars havo been invested in tho oil business near Tampico, and it is said that the region will become the world's greatest oilfield. It is no wondor there is talk of neutralising the oil area about the town. Loss of the town would ho a very serious matter to tho Mexican Government, for it collects dues on every ton of merchandise leaving tho port.