NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 280, 23 August 1944, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

The suggestion put. forward by Mr. L. T. Daniell, of Masterton, that the time has arrived for the appointment of a Wool Board to deal with the question of the disposal of the Dominion's wool clips, deserves early consideration by shcepfarmers. Nir. Daniell, who is a member ot the New Zealand Wool Council, makes clear what many do not fully realize, and that is that, the Wool Council Ims very limited powers and as at present constituted is quite unsuited to deal with the serious problems which confront. (lie. wool industry. What the ultimate effect of the huge accumulation of wool stocks now on hand will be on the industry during the post-war years is already the subject, of emitroversy. Mr. Daniell’s suggestion for the early creation of a Wool Board constituted on similar linos to the Meat Board, and with, equal powers, appears to raise no difficulties which cannot be overcome, and affords the opportunity of selecting a body of experienced men familiar with the wool trade and marketing, and in whom those engaged in die industry would have full confidence. I’t'csunuibly the meeting of the Electoral College associated with the Meat Board, which takes place this month, will afford an opportunity to discuss the matter.

On various occasions it Ims lieen apparent that the leaders of Italian co-belUgerency are overlooking their nation’s position ns a defeated Axis Power and a former hotbed of European aggression, 'litis eagerness to escape responsibility and the full consequences of evil wrought under the banner of Fascism Is evident in the “claim'’ put forward this week by Count Carlo Sforza. a member of (lie Rome Government, that Italy should he “allowed to keep" Iter colonies after the war. However, be calmly added, the ideal suggestion would he "for all countries Io pool their colonies and place them under international administration.” Possibly this impertinence will l>c applauded iu certain Anglo-American circles where there lias been disclosed a tendency to overrate Italy's now stains. Fortunately, however, Un? policy of tlie British Government in the matter of colonies in general, and the former possessions of Italy in pnrtieular. lias already been made clear lieyond doubt. In Hie House of Commons, shortly after the conclusion of the North African campaign, the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Eden) was asked whether it was intended to return Italy’s North African “empire" to iter. He replied with the single word, “No.” Mr. Churchill lias been equally emphatic on several occasions concerning British possessions, and has said, in so many blunt words, that though Britain has no designs upon other jxiople’s property site intends Io hold that which is hers. With these sentiments the vast majority of tlie people of the British Empite aie in hearty agreement. It is possible—and may. indeed, lie desirable—that, after tlie war, certain colonies should be placed under some form of international administration. These, however, will not be tlie colonies of “all countries." hut those of defeated, predatory Powers who have demonstrated their unlitness to wield any sort of authority over minority groups eithei al home or abroad.