Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd., 1938. NEW YEAR HONOURS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 January 1938, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd., 1938. NEW YEAR HONOURS.

was to be expected, following the generous bestowal of honours in Coronation year, the list of New Year honours is smaller than usual. If there is little to arouse enthusiasm, there is less to inspire criticism. New Zealand’s list mainly recognises public service in district affairs, a branch of activity that is of great value to the country, and which in the past has not been sufficiently re-

' cognised on opportune occasions when lists are compiled of those the King delights to honour. On this occasion, Mr. Savage’s recommendations to His Majesty, include mainly those whose records are more useful than spectacular, and this choice should receive public endorsement. West Coasters will congratulate' Mr. D. J. Evans and Mr. G. Millar ( on the official recognition of the value of their respective public

services. It is also pleasing to note that ' four women are included in the honours list, and it is to be hoped that from now on, there will be adequate recognition of services of women in public life. The Knighthood . given to the Director of the Cawthron Institute was well . earned by the re-

cipient, and is a tribute, also, to the valuable research work*by the Institute, by which the country has gained immense sums. Party politics are conspicuous by then absence in this latest Dorninioi

selection of honours recipients. As for the Homeland list, New Zealanders will welcome especially the further mark of favour conferred on Field Marshal Bird-

wood, and the promotion in the peerage of Lord Nuffield. In war and in peace, respectively, each has proved to have great gifts of leadership and organisation. Lord Nuffield’s philanthropy is now a

’ national proverb, and he has used , his trusteeship of great wealth in > keeping with the best British ’ standards. Most of the honours are of main concern to the Mother- ’ land, but the C.B.E. conferred on > Miss Gracie Fields - will arouse > world-wide interest. Even those > who do not acclaim her stage ’ work, admire her charitable gifts

and democratic personality. Those who compile honours lists, these days, spread their net in much wider circles than did their forerunners. Some of the “old brigade” may gasp in horror, but the new range is in keeping with to-day’s public opinion. Perhaps the most interesting announcement of the New Year, was the appointment of Sir R. G. Vansittart as Diplomatic Adviser to the Foreign Office. He has long been a real power in carrying out the foreign policy of British Go-

vernments, and there will he a chorus of approval, both for the institution of the new office, and its first holder. The new arrangement will give Sir Robert a desirable status, and should relieve the Foreign Secretary of some of his' onerous responsibilities. Foreign affairs were rarely before in a more complex condition, and experienced men like Sir Robert, were best left to find solutions of The many problems.