The Clutha Leading. BALCLUTHA: FEBRUARY 14, 1913. CAPTIOUS CRITICS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 53, 14 February 1913, Page 4

The Clutha Leading. BALCLUTHA: FEBRUARY 14, 1913. CAPTIOUS CRITICS.

In their desire to discredit the Goveminent it. would appear that certain adherents of the continuous Ministry are not exercising tlie discretion which one naturally expects in the discussion of public questions. That, perhaps, is their business, but their anxiety to discredit the Reform Government is in marked contrast to their attitude when their own party was at the head of affairs. The Hon. .las. Alien, speaking in London the other day, expressed tl.o hope that the Dominion would be able to place at the disposal of the Motherland an expeditionary force of .XOOO men for service in any part of the world. This statement was immediately seized npmi as a declaration that the Defence Minister was to put 8(10*1 of the Territorials at the disposal of the Imperial authorities abroad, and it was characterised in scathing terms as militarism run riot. Clearly these critics overlooked a fundamental part of their case: they did not take time to think that the Territorials, like the old volunteers, cannot be calloi! upon to serve outside New Zealand, ami they ilid not want to weaken in their own eyes the apparent force of their onslaught by admitting what Mr Allen undoubtedly fully realised when he made the statement—viz., that any force raised in this country for service abroad must be absolutely of a voluntary nature. There is not the slightest douht in the world that if the occasion arose New Zealand would, if need be, plan* not only NIMH) but double that number, at the disposal of the Motherland fur the defence of the Empire. And this is what Mr Allen means, but what his critics, socialistic and otherwise, will not. see that he means. But people of New Zealand would, no matter what Government was in power, if the demand arose, either for active service or for the purpose of Imperial policy, respond with an enthusiasm and whole-hearted-ness that would leave no two opinions regarding the attitude of this country when danger threatened. But it is remarkable how a party-coloured outlook distorts the view of critics who are out to discredit their opponents at any price. Mr Seddon when he sent out his ten contingents to South Africa was lauded by these same critics as a heavenbom Imperialist, and Sir Joseph Ward when he pledged this country, without consulting Parliament, to a two-million Dreadnought, was deluged with columns of fulsome (lattery that well-nigh made him think that he was, in addition to being Prime Minister, Parliament and People all in one, and which in no small measure led to his political downfall. It is a singular contrast. What Mr Allen hopes New Zealand may be able to da may have as far-reaching effects in promoting the solidarity and unity of the. Empire as the Dreadnought or the South African contingents, but he is not likely to follow the example of his predecessors in committing the country, even to what most people will consider the right thing, without obtaining the sanction of the people's accredited representatives in Parliament. Ourselves, we could wish that there was need for neither ships nor men for warlike purposes, but with rival nations arming to the teeth it seems clear that "the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for it," If by being fully prepared for any emergency it is possible for us to prevent a conflict so much the better. To this end all parts of the Empire must act in unison. Although it is unfortunate that discouraging and injudicious criticism awaits the man who, like Mr Allen, puts into express terms the feelings of the people, yet there is hopefulness in the anticipation that if the hour arises and Mr Allen puts his hope to the test the trouble will be not to get 8000 men, but to limit the volunteers to that number. Perhaps it is not too unkind under the circumstances to say that in the hour of need none would more readily seek the Buelter of the flag than some of our moßt captions critics.