“Times” Pays Centennial Tribute To Dominion

Northern Advocate, 24 January 1940, Page 6

“Times” Pays Centennial Tribute To Dominion

LONDON, January 22

In connection with New Zealand s Centennial, “The Times,” in a leading article, pays a tribute to the Dominion’s growth. It says: “New Zealand’s, history gives a startling contrast between British ‘lmperialism/- against which Germany dishonestly inveighs, and the practice Of the doctrine of ‘Lebensraum’ diving room). “British authority was the very starting point of liberty. “The Treaty of Waitangi laid the basis for co-operation between the two peoples. “There have been wars, but there has been no attempt to teach the degrading dogma of a superior race. “The Maoris enjoy complete social and political equality.

Stand On Own Feet

“New Zealanders today stand on their own feet in the world, but they have retained closer affinity with the Motherland than any of the Dominions.

“They do not wait for precedents from the Old World. “The spirit of the pioneers is conspicuous.

“It translates itself readily into political form.

‘More than one of the most

notable of modern advances in

social legislation have been first tested in New Zealand. Masterful Touch in Finance.

“Statesmen of New Zealand have shown a masterful touch in public finance.

“They do not fear the kind of heresy which has become orthodoxy in the next generation.

“They have achieved strong Governments without oppression, and, without weakening the foundations of society, they have opened to the poor as free a field of opportunity as exists anywhere on earth. “The Empire extends to New Zealand not only congratulations, but sympathy in the misfortune which has thrown the shadow of war over her centenary.

Brilliant Pages in History

“The great feat of arms performed by the Achilles is already secure of its brilliant page in history. “New Zealand airmen have already written other pages of high distinction. “Whether the rest of the chapter

will be long or short, it is certain

that it will all be of the same

great quality. “New Zealand is fighting for the substance whicjt has made her 100 years of growth—for liberty and her warfare will be worthy of the cause.”