NEW ZEALAND, A NATION

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 199, 20 May 1936, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND, A NATION

First impressions are not always reliable, and the London accountant who at Dunedin yesterday summarised New Zealand and its people in three sentences may find reasons for varying his judgment before the end of the year that he proposes to spend tn the Dominion. His preliminary survey, however, betokens observant eyes and a keen mind; especially so the suggestion that we are inclined to live vicariously on the glamour that is Britain s, instead of building up our own national destiny. Many visitors have come and gone without saying this. Some have carried away the rc P° rt that we are “more British than Britain” —and proud of it. The mere words give us a thrill, so deep and so true is our love for the Motherlands which many of us have never seen —and which, if anything, we love the more because of that! But to some of our best and most far-seeing friends from the Motherlands our devotion has savoured of filial affection run mad. It may be objected that people who would say this cannot themselves be friends of the Old Countries —that they are on the contrary enemies of the Empire, seeking how they may encompass its disruption. But the objection will not stand examination, for among these kindly critics was our late GovernorGeneral, Lord Bledisioc, whose Imperialism is beyond question, yet who in private conversation repeatedly urged upon New Zealanders to develop their own nationality. “By all means be British, he was wont to say in effect; “but build your British loyalty round your own country first, and shape it to suit your own peculiar needs. Only in that way can you grow to full stature within the British Commonwealth.”