Evening Post. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1902. THE PREMIER'S STANDING ARMY.

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 119, 15 November 1902, Page 4

Evening Post. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1902. THE PREMIER'S STANDING ARMY.

At the close of the Imperial Conference the New Zealand Premier expressed keen disappointment at the result of its deliberations — in fact, went almost as far as- to indicate that he considered it barren of useful result. On his return to the colony, however, a semi-official summary of the proceedings was published with a preliminary note implying that he had practically dominated the proceedings, "and that nearly all the effective work of the Conference was initiated by himself. Fourteen subjects in all were dealt with, some of the minor ones being stock subjects such as patents, reduced postage, and the foreign metric system. Of this total of fourteen, we were told, the Right Hon. gentleman "submitted . notices of motion dealing with eight subjects, which have been dealt with as fol- \\ Oy,-s O y,-s\ — Six have been carried in amended form, one has been arranged as between Australia, New Zealand, and the Imperial Government, and one is now the subject-matter of correspondence as between the Secretary of State for War and the Premier of New Zealand." In this latter clause there seems to be more than meets the eye. Noting how the Premier's proposals were dealt with, the "one" seems to be no other than the Premier's scheme of a colonial reserve force for service abroad, in advocating which he stood alone, and the rejection of which caused him such bitter disappointment. The notion was the Premier's own, Bad never been formally considered by our Parliament, and is as obnoxious to the people of New Zealand as to' those of the other self-governing colonies. As we say, the Conference would not entertain the proposal ; but how, according to the inspired account •of the proceedings, was it dealt with?

"After considerable discussion (it) was - withdrawn from the Conference, any colony favouring, such reserve to deal directly with the Secretary of State for War, who favours, on the lines suggested by the Premier of New Zealand, such reserves being raised, equipped, and maintained." This, then, it would appear, is the proposal "now the subject of correspondence as between the Secretary of State for War and the Premier." If so, the Premier is taking the responsibility of endeavouring to commit the colony to a. course utterly repugnant to the vast majority of its people, and which he has not ventured to submit either to the people or the Parliament. Such appears to be the 'only inference from his own authorised statement. Is that inference correct? There can be no more important subject for consideration by the coming Parliament. Yet no candidate has been questioned on the subject. Is Mr. Seddon even now negotiating with the War Office I for the equipment of a New Zealand army reserve liable to -service beyond the seas? The colony is entitled to an immediate answer.