Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1944. HOME DUTIES FIRST.

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 January 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 1944. HOME DUTIES FIRST.

| jABOUR propagandists are endeavouring to boost the importance of the Canberra talks between Australian and New Zealand Ministers, and to allege that the whole business is a triumph for the two Labour Administrations. So far, little has been revealed to justify such estimates. What has been definitely decided could have been accomplished by ordinary routine, being mostly questions of Aus-tralian-New Zealand interest only. The other matters discussed, such as the future control of the Pacific, civil aviation, and Empire consultations, are topics upon which other countries must have a voice, and any proposals by Australia and New Zealand are, for the time being, little else. Time must be left to decide if the Canberra talks were worth all this week s flourish of trumpets. Already U.S.A, suspicions have been voiced.

Meanwhile, New Zealanders footing the cost of the visit of the Cabinet Ministers and party to Australia, have not found much, to thrill, them in the news from Canberra. On the contrary, there was something to irritate. Mr. Fraser’s announcement in connection with the rationing of meat in the Dominion, should not have been reserved for Australians. Mr. AVebb’s airy denial of industrial troubles in this country and his reference to idle coal-mines were handling the truth carelessly, and were encouraging dissatisfied workers to take direct action. Having helped to settle the fate of the Pacific and other world-problems, Mr. Webb is to stay for a time fnvestigating labour matters. AVhether his mission is to learn or to teach was not made clear, but this is of little consequence. Mr. Jones is hurrying home to his own Ministerial duties, an example to be commended.

New Zealand’s own affairs are not in such perfect order that three of its leading Ministers can be spared indefinitely to prescribe for the troubles of other nations. Mr. Holland voiced general opinion when he urged the early summoning of Parliament to discuss the. position, generally. It is four months since the elections, and further delay in calling the new Parliament together is not justified. Better results are hoped for from the new House than what its predecessor provided. The Opposition is stronger, and will be less easily swamped by mere numbers. The National Party’s caucus, yesterday, gave evidence of vigour, and the proceedings during the session should be interesting. Mr. Fraser’s visit to London will necessitate a short sitting, which makes it the more desirable that there should be no undue delay in assembling Parliament.

It must be assumed that little really important legislation will be introduced until Mr. Fraser’s return, but there is no excuse for the Government acting as if the House did not exist, and that whilst the New Zealand Federation is in its haven all is right with this country. The inquiries into the liquor trade, taxation injustices, and other promised investigations, should be instituted immediately. It cannot be doubted that there is increasing dissatisfaction with the Administration, but having obtained a majority at the general’ elections, the Labour Government apparently believes that there is nothing more to be said or done, until the Ministry graciously pleases. New Zealand has the reputation of being an easily-governed land, —and is, —but what was once a compliment is becoming a rebuke.