Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, APRIL 1st., 1935. MR. FORBES' TRIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 April 1935, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, APRIL 1st., 1935. MR. FORBES' TRIP

QENERAL good wishes for a pleasant trip will be offered, to-day, to Mr. Forbes, who is leav ing for London, to represent New Zealand at the King’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. No question arise < as to the appropriateness of the Prime Minister being the Dominion’s representative, as the importance of the occasion warrants his presence. Advantage will be taken of the gathering of Empire chiefs, to discuss involved Imperial problems, and also the Empire foreign policy. Events in Europe are causing concern as to what the future will bring, and Overseas

lands must > share this anxiety, realising that neutrality in any conflict in which the Motherland was involved, would not be practicable, short of secession. Happily, there is no need to fear disruption. ' The Overseas Governments are kept well-informed of Britain’s foreign policy, which is doubtless influenced by Overseas wishes. It is to be hoped that another effort will be made to bring about better relations between Britain and Ireland. This is a matter where Overseas representatives might prove very useful. Britain’s duce imports restrictions will be another subject discussed. The clash of interests prevents a solution of this problem being easy, bid goodwill and recognition of the various viewpoints should contrive

a compromise to the advantage of all concerned. What is clear is that Empire visiting is essential if the British Commonwealth is to prosper.

Mr. Forbes is probably thankful for the spell his trip will give. He has had onerous responsibilities for some .rears, and must

realise that on his return, a serious task awaits him in preparing for the general elections campaign. National happenings since the previous appeal to the people, have been of a nature that has compelled the Government to introduce unpopular measures, particu-' larly where taxation is concerned.] and it may be taken for granted, that the Labour Opposition will] make the most of the propaganda. 1 thus supplied. Some of the measures have, apparently, not aroused Mr. Forbes’ own enthusiasm, judging from the conflicting opinions.

he has expressed, and it is evident th at lie has made sacrifices to preserve the Coalition. Such a merger is essential, short of the appearance of a strong new group so often threatened, but not yet materialised. if the Opposition is to be defeated at the pollings. Split voting in Ministerial ranks would present many seats to Labour. During his semi-holiday, Mr. Forbes will have the opportunity to make detached reflection on past political events and future prospects. As one of the Liberal school of thought, he cannot be without some misgivings as to the outlook for the preservation of Liberal principles. It is to be hoped that his reflections and experiences during his absence from the Dominion will help him to arrive at wise conclusions, so that on his return, he will be able to assist in advancing the welfare of this country and all classes of its people.