TOPICS OF THE DAY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 28, 3 February 1930, Page 8

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Mr. Holland has' returned to the attack with an outline of the Labour policy for Samoa. Briefly, this policy is "abandonment of coercive methods and .tEe initiation of a policy of conciliation," giving the Samoans an effective share in the country's government and organisation of the marketing of copra on lines somewhat similar to the system employed in Eastern (American) Samoa. Mr. Holland 4oesnoti mention, however, that it was the Administrator's initiation of a direct marketing method resembling the American system that first roused the antagonism of some of the traders.' When the subject was under discussion in Parliament, Labour did not give the Administration warm support for this policy, though some of the more cautious members of the party thought it advisable to say that they were not in favour of the traders having a free hand to exploit the native producers of copra. As to the "abandonment of coercive methods," Mr. Holland forgets also that the Administration held its hand for a considerable time until a glaring example of Man defiance forced it to action. There was no coercion but the greatest patience in the face of provocation. Mr. Holland did not applaud this policy or urge the Mau to respond. Nor did ho urge acceptance of the progressive proposals made by Sir Joseph Ward for giving the Samoans a voice in the country's govvernmeht. The Prime Minister proposed a beginning by nominative representation. Mr. Holland would introduce an elective system before the Samoans have been educated to that stage. Altogether the Labour policy for Samoa is crude and badly conceived. It is based on a prejudiced view of the conduct of past and present Administrations; and it seems designed more to score a point against j the Government than to assure a settlement of the, present, difficulties and the establishment of a peaceful and sound administration in the Islands.

Leaders of the returned soldiers who look ahead will warmly support the Governor/General's advice to "stick together." A strong and truly representative Returned Soldiers' Association will be more necessary than ever in the future. When the Association was first formed it was supported enthusiastically. The wartime comradeship assured that. As the more pressing questions were dealt with and the soldiers became settled in civilian life, interest waned; We believe that the Association has passed safely through that difficult period; but it could still be greatly strengthened. It is needed to give the assistance which no purely civilian body can give in judging the claims of returned men upon whom the effects of war service are beginning to tell. Without such assistance, there is always the danger of genuine claims being pre-

judicially affected by the submission of less deserving cases. A strong Association can guard the interests of the deserving and help to sort out the worthy. In forming public opinion upon the war also, a representative, body can render useful service. There has been a marked tendency lately to display the worst features of the conflict. Returned men, maintaining their old associations, can help the public to a more correct judgment —one which does not exaggerate either the glory or the rottenness.

In judging what publicity may be given in police cases the authorities are right in exercising a fair measure of discretion. If full information were disclosed, it would often be difficult to apprehend offenders. On the other hand, publicity, may be most useful in the collection of evidence. The Commissioner, of Police states the official \attitude to be that "in all cases, information which will not prejudice police inquiries will be readily given to the Press." To this policy no reasonable exception can be taken. We do not wish to see the "trial by newspaper" introduced in New Zealand, as a hindrance to fair trial by jury. Nor is it desirable that information on matters of public importance should be withheld. - Publicity is one of the greatest safeguards of our administration of justice, and it is necessary also in reference to preliminary processes. In New Zealand the Press has proved itself sensible of the .necessity for secrecy at certain stages when investigations are being made. It has earned the confidence of the Police Department, and this confidence has generally been extended.. .■'.*■■'.•.-• .-■■■.

"Not on your life" was Mr. v Scullin's emphatic declaration when asked if the Federal Government were in sympathy with the Beaverbrook Empire Free Trade plans. The statement shows how much attention may be given to the British hosiery trade expression of surprise and resentment. at the vindictive treatment which the Australian tariff accorded to British knitwear. The hosiery trade is not. alone in its resentment of the tariff, which has evoked numerous protests from British manufacturers. "The Times" stated the British view most moderately when it said that while the tariff was not, of .course, an argument against the ideal of closer trade relations within the Empire, it could "hardly be hailed as a positive advance in that . direction." "The Times"' pointed to the possible effect of the tariff,on several British industries: ,; That in its turn may lead to an aggravation of our unemployment problem, and react on the import trade in Australian foodstuffs and raw materials. It was not expectedv however, that such arguments would carry weight with a Government convinced of the benefits of higher duties; The Empire (it was added) is still without any machinery by which the economic policies of its, various' > selfgoverning communities can be co-ordin-ated for the benefit of the whole in tho light of the needs and interests of the various parts. . *

The Australian tariff is certainly not calculated to benefit the whole Empire. It may be doubted whether it will ultimately benefit Australia. Sir Mark Sheldon says that one of the most potent factors in bringing about a settlement of insistent labour troubles will be the recognition by Australians that they cannot remain independent of the rest of .the world. There is no sign of such recognition in the tariff.