TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 54, 1 September 1914, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

* 6 Though the surrender of Samoa to the British by the German The Taking Governor was done quietof Samoa. ly, the event has a dramatic interest for New Zealand, which furnished the Expeditionary Force. That achievement is the first of its kind in this country's history. The despatch of contingents to South Africa was a different matter. Britain regarded the Boers rather as insurgents or rebels than as a belligerent nation, and the colonials' part was to help in the subjugation of the Dutch. At present the war with Germany includes operations of conquest against her colonies, those islands which were to have vast additions in the dreams of a Kaiser who precipitated Csesarism without Caasar. New Zealand's Government promptly offered to strike at Samoa, and thus the cheerful volunteers went out for fields to conquer. Many were disappointed, no doubt, at the ease with which the prize fell into their hands, but the quietness of_the transfer does not discouht the value of the Expedition's performance. A proportion of the contingent will have garrison duties, and the remainder may be joined with Australians in carrying the Union Jack to other German possessions of the Pacific. The talcing of Samoa gives New Zealanders a pleasant feeling thai; they are assisting hi a dismemberment/ 1 of the German Empire. The prospects are very bright for a clean sweep of the German flag, from all the Kaiser's isles of the Pacific,

Day by day the world receives fresh proof of the British A Loyal Family. Empire's resources. Europeans have been so busy with their own affairs that they have hardly noticed the growing family of Britain overseas. Statesmen and other students are not blind to that important development, for they take care to keep themselves well informed about the factors of world-politics, but large masses, tens of millions, on the Continent have the haziest notions of Britain's reserves of strength far away from London. As the South African War was fought in a region remote from Europe, the significance of the colonial contingents was not fully appreciated by the Continental nations, though the Chancelleries observed the reinforcements from Canada and Austraj a .« a - I' lle case to-day is immensely different. The despatch of over fifty thousand colonial-trained troops to Europe— with assurances that more will follow, if they arc needed— will impress the people of Germany, France, and other countries. The soldiers from overseas will not lack advertisement in the European press—and at last the public of Paris may learn that New Zealand is not an orchard in Tasmania, and that Sydney is not a suburb of Auckland. If the millions of Europe do not have presently a much better knowledge of the younger Britains, the fault will not lie w,ith the sturdy, active family. Everywhere the overseas members are eager to give all possible help, in men and material, to the Mother Country. The war with Germany is a family 'matter, ahd the whole family is determined to make any sacrifice for success— which means survival as an Empire. Suddenly the self-governing British States have stepped into a place of prominence on the world's stage, and there they have to stay. When the mind goes ahead to days of reckoning and calculation after this test, one perceives that the power and potential might of the British dominions will not be overlooked. in s Europe, and some nations there, independently or in collusion, will make plans against the family. The revelation of strength and prosperity in international affairs necessitates a vigorous policy to maintain them. The days of half-and-half Imperialism ended with Germany's challenge. Is it true that Lord Roberts has expressed surprise at War and the continuance of Mimic Battles. mimic battles of football aud cricket while real war is raging on the Continent? One suspects a mistake somewhere in the cabled report which attributed that sentiment to the veteran Empire-builder, a great soldier, known and honoured throughout the world for depth and breadth , of 'heart and mind. What a contrast the alleged words make with the well-worn phrase that Waterloo was won on the /placing fields of Eton and Harrow ! Our impression is that Lord Roberts did not suggest that the mere factof playing was improper while young Britons were bravely facing death on behalf of the Empire. His purpose may have been to hint plainly that some of the young men who had leisure for field games should enlist immediately and begin their training for service abroad or at home. Yet the variety of exercise given by football and cricket may be a good tonic even for those who are in the course of direct preparation for the stern business of war. Such diversions are a benefit for the body and are a pleasant distraction for the mind. A too close application to any set task, whether the aim is for individual or national advantage, is a hindrance to efficiency. The old copybook maxim, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," applies to all affairs of life, especially at times when events, worries, or fears tend to p"ut an additional strain on the nervous system. The re* port that young Britons have still an aptitude for play should be a cause for joy, not regret.