LONDON DELEGATION

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 94, 22 April 1935, Page 6

LONDON DELEGATION

A reply is made by "J.C.M." to criticism by "Onlooker" of the selection of Mr. Verschaffelt to accompany the Minister of Finance to London. "J.C.M." . considers "Onlooker", r mistaken in suggesting that absence of public protest is "indicative of a harassed, over-burdened community waiting a more suitable opportunity to practically demonstrate its unqualified disapproval." "Every competent individual I have spoken to is of the opinion that Mr. Coates made an extraord inarily fine choice when he decided to take the Public Service Commissioner with Wjn as his chief assistant in England (continues "J.C.M."). It seems to me; sir, that Mr, Coates has shown rare courage, imagination, • and business acumen in seeking assistance outsids the usual political circle. It is Just the kind of thing a man like Lloyd George would have done. Indeed, did he not gather around him the* best business brains of England to help him win the war? The Meat Conference job is going to be a tremendously difficult one, and Mr. Coates is surely entitled to have the best available brains in New Zealand to assist him. The reason why there has been little or no unfavourable comment over Mr. Verschaffelt's appointment is,,l believe, because New Zealanders have a sense of fair play and good sense. They may not all have read Pope's "Essay on Criticism,' but New Zealanders are undoubtedly imbued with the spirit of that celebrated critic, for did he.not, pen the lines: 'Be silent always when you doubt your

sense, And speak, though sure, with seeming diffidence.'" . :

LODGE JUBILEE ■

(Special to the "Evening Post.") PALMERSTON N., Tins Day. Orient Lodge, 1.0.0. F. (A.C.), celebrated its jubilee birthday on Saturday with special functions. The lodge has received from all1 over the Dominion congratulations on its progress and achievements during the half-century. \