HANDS ACROSS THE PACIFIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19418, 28 August 1926, Page 10

HANDS ACROSS THE PACIFIC.

The visit of Mr. J. Merle Davis, general secretary of the Institute of Pacific Relations, brings to local notice in a vivid way the task that he represents. It is a task both important and imperative. In this ocean there meet diverse human currents, and where they meet there is broken water. The fear that the clash of alien interests may provoke bitter and hurtful strife is not misplaced or fanciful. From the Orient arise dangers to international peace. India has come to Fiji, not to visit but to stay. New social perils menace the indigenous peoples of many island groups. There is no ground for hysterical alarm, but there' is abundant reason for thoughtful concern; and the institute has grown out of that. Already it has done something, by its first conference in Honolulu and the development of its own programme, to provide a forum for the interchange of views held on the problems raised by the contact of very different races. Much remains to be done before this voluntary and unofficial organisation can claim to have compassed the need for frank and friendly understanding between these races. There are long centuries of prejudice to be overcome. Yet no one knowing the condition of affairs to-day can blink the fact that there is no time to lose if the inevitable contacts are to be turned to amicable relationships. There is imminent risk of provocative friction. Nothing can avert it except unfettered discussion, and this can best proceed, at least in its initial stages, under the aegis of an international group without official status and responsibility. This group may do much to prepare the way for subsequent Governmental dealings. It is well that a definite attempt should be made to link up New Zealand with the institute's work. The South Pacific had little attention in the first conference. It has a claim for more, and when that is given there will be found that New Zealand has a position of pivotal importance^