ARTICLE ON NEW ZEALAND

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 6 May 1921, Page 5

ARTICLE ON NEW ZEALAND

SIR JAMES ALLEN'S VIEWS

BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCTiTION—COPYRIGHT (Received May 6, 9,.10 a.m.) LONDON, May 5.

Sir James Allen has a signed article in the Manchester Guardian on economic and political developments in New Zealand. Referring to the existing Parliament, he says that there is practically no difference hetween the Liberal and Labour parties. Some members of both parties would regret the extinction of the Liberals and their replacement .by an Oppositon consisting of Labourites, dominated 'by extremists. There is no cohesion among the present Labourites, as at least •three favour constitutional methods for securing the 'betterment of the workers.s.

Referring to the report of the national executive of the Federation of Labour advocating the socialisation of" industry, Sir James Allen regrets that the employers insufficiently considered the executive's schemes. Experience has demonstrated that nationalisation has not cured industrial strife. There are more strikes in the State-owned than in the privately-owned coal mines j also the Government irailwaymen have adopted direct action. New Zealand is financially strong, notwithstanding its indebtedness. Dealing with the future,. Sir James ! Allen thinks that the position resolved itiself into tw» problems: (1) The relationship of the several free nations under one^ sovereign; (2) provision for defence against foreign aggression. In reference to the first some new method is necessary to preserve the sovereign from an impossible situation which jnight arise from conflicting advice. | Hs supports this by quoting differing interpretations in South Africa and New Zealand dealing with mandated territories,, also the Canadian and Australian proposed ambassadorial representation in Americi^. He criticises the designation "Imperial Cabinet,' because the term Imperial has too intimate a relationship. He prefers an Imperial Council, "which should foe permanent, .but only advisory. He maintains that defence is dependent on the efficacy of the League of Nations, and suggests the creation of an Imperial General Staff under (the proposed Imperial Council.