THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19215, 2 January 1926, Page 8

THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.

Congratulatory comment upon the honours bestowed by His Majesty upon those who have signally served this Dominion will blend everywhere felicitation of the recipients with gratification that our public life has produced men counted worthy of distinction. Of the two new Privy Councillors it can be said with peculiar force that they are products of that life. Sir Francis Bell was virtually born in the New Zealand Parliament, following closely in his father's footsteps as a very devoted patriot and statesman. His genius for law and marked executive ability have made his long service in local and general politics extremely valuable. It was fitting that so distinguished a career should have been crowned by his becoming Prime Minister, and his being made a member of the Privy Council, in keeping with the recent practice of including in that eminence the most responsible statesmen of the Dominions, is a highly appropriate event. Mr. Coates is in all respects so thoroughly a New Zealander that his selection for this honour has a significance bound to be widely noted. It is more than a customary attestation of the Dominion's place in the Empire: it evidences the great renown and responsibility in the whole British realm to which even comparatively young statesmen overseas may attain. The further mark of favour bestowed upon Sir James Allen is -a well-merited recognition of Imperial service. To Sir Henry Brett very cordial congratulation will be offered by every section of the community. In Auckland especially his knighthood will be acclaimed as a distinction richly warranted. Throughout a long life he has maintained a high standard of public conduct. To this growing city he gave, in his more active days, much laborious and its citizens have delighted to entrust him with office and do him honour. His benefactions have not been mere devotions of his wealth: they have betokened his care for the city's most wholesome artistic culture, his enthusiasm for its advance in arts that beautify and ennoble. In Sir Henry Wigram's knighthood there has been similar recognition of one long serving .the public weal. He too did yeoman work in civic office in bygone years: Christchurch had its greatest municipal expansion when he was in its mayoral chair. Twenty diligent years were devoted by him to the country as a Legislative Councillor. Recently he urged, in season and out of season, the importance of aviation, and it was mainly by his enthusiasm that the Canterbury Aviation Company was able to render its splendid service in training airmen during the war.' Mr. selection for favour does honour to a highly capable and diligent head of an important State department. In every instance, the New Year honours conferi-ed upon New Zealanders follow the best precedents and evoke popular endorsement.