The Evening Star FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1920.

Evening Star, Issue 17311, 26 March 1920, Page 4

The Evening Star FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1920.

Tint retirement of Sir Jarmes Allen from the Ministry in order to Sir James take jtp the position of Alien. High Commissioner in London means that the Dominion loses one of its strongest and most dependable administrators. It may be said, indeed, as a unique compliment to a great patriot, that many of his political opponents and most vehement critics would , class him as by far the strongest administrator in 2s T ew Zealand during the most 1 eventful years in the Dominion's history, f Often, very often as a matter of fact, there j has been reason for condemning his politi- ,' cal foibles and his administrative faults; bat alAays,_in the heat of criticism and even downright condemnation, everybodv admired _ and respected the tempered strength "of his character as an administrator. The outstanding virtue that has 'placed him far apart from most politicians a his sterling loyalty to duty. He has never shirked. It need not be pretended • that Sir James has been a perfect saint in the hurly-burly of politics. What politician is, and who could be? The game of politics calls for the assiduous practice of many tactics, and the Minister of Defence .is a great tactician ; but he : has never I'b'een a notorious political sinner. His record as a member of Parliament and as a Minister of the Crown is worthy of a f permanent place in history. He has loved | his country, and has labored untiringly .in of its- best interests

Sir Jamea.Alleik first entered Parliament' In 1887, after defeating for the Dunedin East seat the present Chief Justice. Five years later he-was elected for Bruce, and ever since has represented that constituency with outstanding integrity, energy, and ability. The fact that almost at the close of his admirable career hia hold on I the electorate was so keenly assailed as to be almost -broken does not in the least tarnish his great service to., the constituency and the country. Conditions last December were everywhere hysterical, and political values deranged. But it is as a Minister throughout a desperately critical period in New Zealand's progress, rather than as the faithful member for Bruce, that his work and service call for unqualified commendation. All the minor administrative defects of his work are now trivial I in comparison with his undaunted spirit' and tireless energy under a tremendous strain. His best reward must always be the calmness of his conscience and the knowledge that he was true' to duty. It is not necessary yet to' review in detail the extent and influences of his Ministerial service. That can be done with more adequate appreciation when the time lias come for his departure from for a new sphere of activity in which he will have w,dc scope for a beneficial eierciso of ins Imperial patriotism. But we would earnestly urge all the people of Otago to mute with the residents in the Bruce electorate u, displaying in a tangible form then- drop appreciation of the excellent wor* 01 s„. J an)cß A „ elK As a J is]atol . m or cut of Ministerial power he has ever been m the forefront of parliamentary etroit i 0 advance on high principles the vital mterests not only of Otago. but of 7 V Aetl]a " d a »d the Empire, His service during the Great War is in itself a fine legacy -of resolute patriotism for posterity.