TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 119, 23 May 1910, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The unexpected is always happening, and the Emperor of GerWilhelm the many has already given Peacemaker, illustrations of the truth of the maxim. Yet few would be prepared for his latest suggestion, as reported by cable on as sound an authority as the Paris Matin. Apparently, the death and obsequies of his illustrious uncle have caused the Kaiser "furiously to think" on some of those qualities for which Edward VII. was distinguished, for, in an interview with M. Pichon, the French Minister for Foreign Affairs, he developed, "with evident sincerity," the theory that, in the interests of humanity and civilisation, the great nations of Europe should remain closely united, and co-operate in forming a powerful peace confederation. Whether his Imperial Majesty's long conversation with Lord Kitchener, reported in the same message, was relevant does not appear. If the Kaiser is sincere, and — what is more to the pomt — if he remains in the same mind, he will have great influences with him. His own people, excluding only the military, naval, and part of the official element; the people, and, it may be safely assumed, the King, of Great Britain ; the strenuous ex-President Roosevelt, who has made so deep a mark in the life of the United States, and is probably the most popular man in that great country; wealth, as represented by Carnegie and others of less note — will be with him. On the other side must be counted the "beggar-my-neighbour" game of Dread-nought-building, the uneasiness it gives rise to, and occasional epidemics of warpanic. Unfortunately, the Emperor, however sincere, is believed to be a man of moods. Should this one persist, it would be a great thing for humanity, for there is now no man in Europe who has a greater personal influence for good or evil. The world would rejoice to see him in the role of conductor at a great international concert, leading off with "O lovely peace, with plenty crowned." Of all the unexpected things that could happen, none could- be more unexpected, and at the same time more gratifying, than that the mantle of Peacemaker should fall from the late King to the shoulders of his brilliant and ambitious nephew. Another education conference has passed, and something — noth-Co-ordmation ing marvellous — has in Education, been done towards imi m , proving the system as a wnole. The representatives of the secondary schools have made a number ot useful recommendations, as other delegates have done at other conclaves. The important thing is to support, by vigorous action, the verbal resolutions that have been adopted. The Minister (the, Hon. G. Fowlds) addressed the assembly, and the sentiment, of his generahties about the need of avoiding overlapping between the primary and secondary schools was admirable, but he gave very little specific helpful advice. The conference has appointed a standing committee, but this committee may practically be a Standing Apart Committee, for the members are domiciled in various parts of New Zealand. Among the resolutions that should appeal fo all ieasonable educationists is the conference's opinion that the secondary schools should have a representative member on the Senate of the University. They should have had such a member years ago. Confusion and imperfect co-operation is inevitable unless the authorities of the two units have all necessary opportunities to meet and exchange opinions for the good management of the whole sys tern. If that excellent recommendation is properly honoured in the "ight quarters the long-standing dispute about the matriculation examination should soon be settled. It is no credit to New Zealand s educationist heads that this wearisome controversy drags on desultorily from one year to another. This counti'y needs a very moving committee to thresh out that subject, and devise a fair test for entrance to the university colleges. The St. John Ambulance Association Nursing Guild of this For city is making a Good Cause. special appeal to the public. It is asking the citizens for £1000, not for expenditure on its work, but to add to the invested fund to provide a modest fixed income, which is always a valuable aid, especially In times of depression or when unexpected calls arae, to any institution depending on voluntary contributions. Some may ask what is the history and nature of the society and its work. It takes it name from an order founded in the eleventh century for the twofold purpose of ministering to the sick and providing a refuge for pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. The vicissitudes of the ancient guild are of much interest to all who concern themselves with the romance of the past, but the story has little relevance to the modern society and its work, which carries on the old tradition by ministering to the sick, but on a wider scale of usefulness and in accordance with the most enlightened methods of the present day. It occupies a field of its own, seeking out the poor and struggling as well las many usually looked upon as hopeless cases, supplying trained nurses, medical assistance, and medicines to those- unable to afford tho»e necesbitie.-. The self-respect and^ independent spirit of tho?e a^bisted is always respected, though aid is often given where those qualities are lacking. It is enough that ihere is need. The

line has to be drawn, and tho possession of a. hoard o£ £3 or upwards, n. piano, bicycle, or gramophone is a disqualification. Two nurses are constantly emplayed on the work, and their acquaintance with sickness and destitution, even in our prosperous city, is "extensive and peculiar." They are always at call, by day or niglit, and are the only paid officers, their work being cheerfully and gratuitously supplemented by the "medical profession. In the six-and-a-half years the Wellington branch ha-s been in operation it has treated 1035 separate cases, and tho two nurses have paid as many as fifteen hundred visits in a month. No money goes in showy buildings, or to maintain a management staff, and those who assist with contributions may rest assured that their donations are judiciously applied and in the most direct and effectual manner. Those who are not waited on by the collector can communicate direct with the president, Mrs. Rhodes, or the yecrelary, Mrs. W. B. Fisher, George-street.