MR. PEMBER REEVES' VISIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19170, 9 November 1925, Page 8

MR. PEMBER REEVES' VISIT.

After an absence of thirty years from his native land, the Hon. W. Pember Reeves returns to New Zealand. So much has happened in this country in that long interval that Mr. Reeves, one may be sure, will be keenly curious to judge at close quarters how well it has fulfilled the hopes he • has long cherished for it. His visit, to last some months, will be long enough to allow of very thorough inquiry by one whose interest has not been diminished by either time or distance ; and it is to be hoped that he will put on record, for the enlightenment of the Dominion, the impressions that he gleans as he moves about. In that way he can render a service within the power of few others. On its part, the Dominion is equally eager to renew acquaintance with Mr. Reeves. He has not been forgotten any more than he has forgotten. He made of yore too deep an impression upon New Zealand's life for that to happen. His was a notably useful career in this country. As Minister for Education, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Labour, in the Liberal regime, he rendered excellent service. Two of these portfolios give great scope for courageous as well as wise statesmanship, and their opportunities were used by Mr. Reeves in memorable ways. A thorough modernising of the State school syllabus, a comprehensive programme for the native schools, and an influential measure for extending compulsory school attendance, stand to his credit in educational advance. In Labour legislation he signalised his pioneer holding of that portfolio by initiating departures that made New Zealand famous. The Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, the Factories Act, the Shops and Shop Assistants Act, and the Employers' Liability Act were bold and farseeing attempts to reduce industrial friction and extend social justice. Some portions of this legislation have been criticised severely, and modifications have been made since it was passed; but it undoubtedly laid the foundation of a better industrial structure. In substance it remains as Mr. Reeves planned it, to the Dominion's very great advantage. Its influence in leading other countries to try similar measures is a matter of political history. Becoming Agent-General and first High Commissioner, Mr. Reeves continued to serve New Zealand with distinction until his penchant for economics and finance led him to accept other responsibilities that London was fain to thrust upon him. Yet these, it is known, have not wooed him from loyalty to the land of his birth. His service to it in literature especially evidences that, for both his "Long White Cloud" and his volume of poems headed by "The Passing of the Forest" have been recently revised for publication. He is bound to New Zealand by an unbroken affection for it, and he will be welcomed on his return as one of its own sons, devoted as well as distinguished.