AUSTRALIA'S POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16761, 30 January 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIA'S POLITICS.

LONDON AND BERLIN OPINION

LONDON, Jan. 14. A leading article in the Times comments strongly on Australia's recent political turmoil and political squabbles. "It becomes increasingly difficult to discern how any s«niblnnoe of the principle of patriotism is inspiring the perennial querulousnes.l of Commonwealth politics," it says "Australian soldiers are displaying the highest qualities. They fight and die or are wounded, and the reinforcements they expect begin to show signs of failing. The Australian people exercised their undoubted right regarding conscription, and there is no need to say more on that question, but if Australia were nearer the battlefields larger issues might displace the political squabbles and the endless personal recrimination?. A review o| the situation indicates that the liovernor-General. Sir Ronald Munro I'Vrgnson, acted correctly in avoiding ail election, winch would be unlikely to alter the May verdict. Australia's patriotism is deep and abiding, and may yet find unforeseen ways of asserting itself.'' A repatriated officer states that the result of the referendum was known in Germany as soon as in London, and was featured in the pre?.-. He was questioned closely a? to the possibility of Australia declaring independence following the vote.