NOTES OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 223, 8 June 1923, Page 6

NOTES OF THE DAY

An early indication of the attitude of the French and Belgian Governments towards the latest reparations overture from Germany the only indication received at time of writing is not very encouraging. Private discussions, it is stated, have resulted in tho Belgian and French Governments deciding to increase the pressure in tho Ruhr anl not to consider German proposals while passive resistance in that region continues. The adoption of such an attitude by Franco and Belgium obviously would preclude any immediate approach to a settlement. It is no doubt reasonable to insist upon an acceptable German offer, backed by adequate guarantees, as a condition precedent to the evacuation of the Ruhr, but the position 'ascribed to France and Belgium would amount to closing tho door on any possibility of negotiations. It would continue and intensify the unsatisfactory deadlock which arose out of the Franco-Belgian refusal even to discuss the previous German’Note..

An extension of the activities of the Government Publicity Office is indicated by the issue of the first of what promises to be a useful series of coloured illustrated “folders” depicting the attractions of New Zealand for overseas guidance. The first of the series deals with .Rotorua from the viewpoint of the tourist, and is a very creditable production. The letter-press matter is well written, and the majority of the illustrations are interesting. It is unfortunate that the same cannot be said of the illustrations contained in a reprint of an earlier publication—the booklet “New Zealand, the Country, the People, and Resources.” Some of the photographic reproductions in this booklet could be greatly improved on. During the past 12 dr 18 months the Publicity Department has done a lot of valuable work—more valuable perhaps than is appreciated in some quarters—and in the matter of these booklets, which are to be sent overseas, it will be, regrettable if the efforts of the Department are not supported by the highest possible skill on the mechanical side.

Endorsed as it is by the leaders of both parties supporting the Federal Government, the movement for the creation of new States in tne Commonwealth is evidently acquiring some impetus. An excellent case, is made out for dividing the enormous area of several of the existing Australian States. The problems involved are, however, much more difficult than they would be if governing power were centred to a greater extent than it is in the Federal Government. With extensive and far-reaching powers reserved to the States, the creation of new States is bound to involve a costly and burdensome increase in legislative bodies, and, to some extent, in official establishments. In any case, it seems unlikely that the inhabitants of areas in which secession is favoured will achieve their object if the question is to be determined/ as it presumably must be, by a referendum of the whole population of the State. The very conditions which make people in areas like the northern part of New South Wales anxious to secede would be almost certain to ensure their defeat in a referendum. The people of an overgrown capital city obviously would be unlikely to vote for a change which, for a time at least, would reduce the volume of its trade and militate against its prosperity.

As far as can be judged from a brief cabled report, the New South Wales Labour Conference appears to have voted down by a substantial majority the pretensions of its executive to control and dominate tho leader and members of the Parliamentary Labour Party. What additional significance attaches te the endorsement of tho DooleyCharlton circular of December last, urging a general clean-up of tho Labour movement, is not exactly clear. The case, however, calls obviously for something more than detail reforms. From a democratic standpoint, only one view can be taken of conditions in which any outside body arrogates the right not only to influence elected members of Parliament, but to depose party leaders. Such conditions call not for amendment but for abolition. Until it is recognised that members of Parliament are responsible only to the body of electors, the Labour movement will continue to embody tho elements of a conspiracy against democratio rights and popular freedom.