The Hawera Star FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1925. A COMMITTEE OF EMPIRE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 22 May 1925, Page 4

The Hawera Star

FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1925. A COMMITTEE OF EMPIRE

Delivered every evening by 5 o’clock 'll Hawera, Manaus Normanby, Okaiawa, Elthani, Mangatoki, Kaponga. Alton. Ilurleyville, Palca, Wavcrlcy. Mokoia, Wtakaniarn, Ohangai. Mcremerc, Fraser Road, an Ararata.

The announcement made in tlic House of Lords by Earl Ball our, of the British Government's intention tc set up a special committee on Empire problems, lends emphasis to some remarks we off erect earlier this week on the changing character of the British Commonwealth. Apparently the idea, is to take full advantage of the expert knowledge of the Empire that is undoubtedly available in Britain, and to approach difficulties in a practical and workmanlike manner instead of bearing the air with abstract theories. More ancl more the tendency is for Cabinet to become an executive authority, delegating duties of examination- and investigation to smaller expert. committees, and there can be no disputing that such a, development makes for increased efficiency. In this question of Empire government, which is wholly above party and quite distinct from British domestic politics, it i« reasonable to suppose that nothing will be allowed to .stand in the way of success, and that the committee will be drawn from all sections of political opinion both within ancl without Parliament. Suitable men whose names suggest themselves 1 off-hand are Mr. L. S. Amery, the present Secretary .of State for the Colonies; Mr. J. H. Thomas, who held that position in the Labour Government; Earl Balfour; Viscount Chelmsford, an ex-colouml Governor ancl Viceroy of India; Sir Robert Donald, chairman of the Empire Press Union; Sir Sidney Loir, journalist and constitutional writer; and Professor ’A. Barriedale Keith, student of colonial government. But there are others by the score; while possibly the blankest ignorance of the Empire is to he found in Britain, there also are those who know and understand it beet. With so great a body oF expert knowledge available, the British Government ha* decided on a wise course in seeking to harness that talent, for the. benefit or our Commonwealth of Nations. This is not a work in which we may ho|>e to. see immediate and definite results; but it will be satisfying to, know that the best brains in the Empire are being brought to bear on the problems which beset the Empire.