TOPICS OF THE TIMES

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4723, 23 July 1935, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE TIMES

Pots and Kettles. "We almost feel like offering a prize for an essay on.the above subject, the starting-point or the climax of which should be Japanese Press criticism of Germany's action in setting aside the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Japan is, of course, notoriously scrupulous in observing her treaty provisions," says the "China Weekly Chronicle." "That is why, for example, when the Great War broke out, she bargained, and bargained hard, before she took any part in it, although under the terms of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance she ought to have been in the moment Great Britain was in. And, of course, many other examples could be given of the same kind of meticulous faithful fulfilment" of Japanese treaty obligations. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Japanese Press should hold up its hands in pious horror at Germany's action. Thus we have the 'Asahi Shimbun' sympathising- with the European Powers 'shocked' by Germany's announcement; to which we take the liberty to add that at least there was an announcement, which there was not in September, 1931."

Tribute to New Zealand.

"I should like emphatically to endorse General Sir lan Hamilton's recommendations regarding a happy and healthy habitat for retired British officers and their families, at least so far as New Zealand is concerned. A former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Richard Seddon, described it as 'God's Own Country.' After five years' residence there, involving an intimate knowledge of all parts of the Dominion and its inhabitants, I would describe it as 'Man's Earthly Paradise.' Apart from its scenic loveliness, its incomparable climate, its fertile soils, and its excellent sport, it is pre-eminently a country of Nature's gentlefolk. Nowhere in the world, if all classes and both races be taken into account, is the standard of education, refinement and culture so high. Nowhere are warm-hearted, hospitable, or lovable people to be found. Indeed, in but few respects can England claim advantages over the. Empire's most British, albeit most distant, Dominion.—Viscount Bledisloe, in "The Spectator."