Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THUSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1941. MR. MENZIES’ TRIP.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1941, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THUSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1941. MR. MENZIES’ TRIP.

POLITICALLY, Australia, is not in a happy: position, the plight of the Federal Government in having a majority of one,—and that not reliable,—in the House of Representatives hindering a strong administration desirable in these critical times. Jealousies . are not absent in the Federal Cabinet itself, and with the Labour Opposition declining to co-operate as a National Government, to say.nothing of State rivalries, Mr. Menzies has a difficult task. So far he has managed to avoid defeat, but the margin has been narrow, and he faves, displacement almost weekly. Industrial pin-pricks and senseless stoppages of work add. to his troubles, and it may easily be believed that he is eager to' make a trip to London, if only for the domestic truce his absence must inspire.

'Australian Ministers' and officials are much given to travelling abroad,—at the public . expense,— exceeding anything contrived in

this direction by New Zealand representatives, who have no poor showing. .It is usually easy to make out a case for the desirability of the Australian trips, if the subsequent practical benefit to the Commonwealth is seldom obvious. There is little criticism against Mr Menzies’ latest proposal, it being claimed that personal interviews with the chiefs at Home will give him knowledge of the war situation, strategy, and requirements that it is desirable for him to possess. Many in Australia advocate the institution in London of an Empire War Cabinet, in order that the policy and wishes of Overseas should be given adequate attention. Apparently, the Home authorities do not consider this necessary, as yet, but there is no objection to visits to London, for consultation, by the Dominions’ Premiers, or other Ministers. It is already intimated that Mr. Menzies’ visit will probably be followed, this year, by prominent men from other Overseas countries. New Zealand will have little difficulty in finding a volunteer.

Mr. Menzies will have plenty of topics to discuss, apart from the general question of Australian aid to securing the Empire’s victory. Relations with Japan, curtailment of food exports, expenditure and loans, . closer association with U.S.A., and Pacific developments, are among the special items of interest to the Commonwealth. Mr. Menzies is certain of a cordial welcome, and the British people will be glad to have the opportunity of displaying their gratitude and pride in the A.I.F. achievements in Africa. The distinguished visitor may also be ‘ ‘ welcomed in less friendly manner by German bombers. Mr. Menzies’ visit will have to be brief, as the Federal Parliament is due to re-open in March, and, under the circumstances, he cannot afford to miss much more than the opening week or two of the session. Mr. Fadden is to be Acting-Prime Minister. His political rise has been quick, but he has shown administrative ability. There appears to be no outstanding man in Australian political life, to-day, and it is doubtful if the general public is excited about Mr. Menzies’ trip, or will be impatient for his return.