SO NARROW?

New Zealand Herald, 12 March 1901, Page 3

SO NARROW?

TO THE EDITOR.. Sir, — the past seven years or longer there has been a manifest growing narrowness of spirit in the legislation of this colony, the effects of which are that a bias of an unending self-interest pervades the public mind, and so absorbs it, that that which is national _ and cosmopolitan becomes wellnigh extinguished thereby. To act thus is a dire mistake, for a narrow selfishness is that which will never, either in the individual or the State, prosper in the end. It is useless to attempt to shut out all neighbours and to live in isolation. National interests are ever higher than sectional trade ones, be these latter ever so important for the time being. Broad, national interests must have a first consideration, and must rule. If any people, colony, or nation persist in acting adversely to this, such only justly lay themselves open to contempt and scorn. During the late sitting of the Federation Commission in this colony this feature of narrowness has been brought very prominently to - view. With very few exceptions all those who have given evidence which has been adverse to this colony federati"" ', have founded their opinion on grounds which are purely those of selfinterest, and nothing beyond. How federation would affect their own sectional trade, seems to have wholly guided them in giving their decisions. Such has been the almost universal testimony given by the manufacturers. They have, as-it were, placed the federation telescope to their eye, and adapted its focus to exactly their own very deficient vision, and such to them has been the alpha and the omega of any suggested federation; somewhat resembling the probable evidence of stage-coach proprietors many years back, when the matter of a local railway was introduced. We mav depend upon it that the grandest material success in the end is ever found linked with what is broad-minded and national, and also in acting thus. A great wall of China, may be built either in masonry or by legislation, yet it will not ", prevent neighbouring nations from doing their own part, and that to the loss or damage of the people so seeking to encircle themselves. Reciprocity and generosity are public advantages not to be despised, whilst narrowness and selfishness will but be productive of disappointment, and, probably, when all too late. Here are but seven sound reasons for this colony at once becoming a member of the Commonwealth: (1) A common Australasian brotherhood would be at once formed ; (2) the action would be one of forming a partnership with a rich firm; (3) it would be a strong union and without jealousy; (4) in the event of outside danger New Zealand could and would receive protection; (5) an enjoyable and mutually profitable friendship would be likely to ensue, and steadily grow; (6) the very favourable soil and climate of New Zealand would always guarantee a unique prosperity; (7) New Zealand would be as much in proximity as West Australia, and with a far more agreeable journey between, i Herewith are now some reasons why it would, be . unwise and J injurious to withhold from joining: (1) Prejudice against the people of New Zealand would at once be created,: and might steadily grow; (2) a narrowness of spirit with a corresponding selfishness would be fostered thereby; (3) the present love and cordiality of the people of Australia, for the people of this colony would be greatly checked; (4) much mutual future prosperity would be lost by abstaining from joining a rich family or neighbour such as is Australia; (5) in danger, New Zealand could not expect to receive important protection from her nearest neighbour, and might not be able to defend herself.—l am, etc., N.Z.