HONOURS FOR WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 1, 3 January 1916, Page 6

HONOURS FOR WORKERS

Wealth and work make striking contrasts in the list of New Year honours. Some of the titles may bring a- repetition of London criticism that if good work for the country is not always a sure way to recognition by the Sovereign (who acts on the recommendations of advisers in these matters), solid service witli a purse (for campaign costs) to a political party does not fail. However, . the people see in to-day's list the names of a number of men who have well deserved distinction. One specially pleasant part of the message mentions the dignity of Privy" Councillors for Labour members (Mr. G. N. Barnes and Mr. Will Crooks). New Zealanders who met Mr. Crooks and spoke with him in this country a few years ago will be glad to congratulate him. He has a buoyancy of temperament and a breezy good humour which win friends among all classes. lie leaves to others the beetled brows, the harsh tones, and martyr air which seem to be regarded by some of -the less thoughtful Labour speakers as indispensable for a successful organising of workers. At the time of writing the only New Zealander included in the list was the High -Commissioner, who is now Sir Thomas Mackenzie. This knighting will not have been any great surprise to folk who have observed the High Commissioner's work. New Zealanders who have had business in London say that tho office organisation is better, than it has ever been; it is also well known thai tho war has added much to the work of Sir Thomas, for he is president of the War Contingency Association, which gives friendly help to New Zealand soldiers in and out of hospital. At. this point it is -well to ponder, on theae words of to-day's despatch: "Many honours have been granted to civilians in recognition of their efforts in connection with the organisation and production of war materials and the raising of war funds." New Zealand, in common with other countries of the Empire, has some men —and women too—who have worked very strenuously on behalf of the nation ever since the out-break of war. These men who have earned the State' 6 thanks are not all in civil life. ,