SOUTH AFRICAN PROBLEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 13

SOUTH AFRICAN PROBLEMS.

PAST AND PRESENT. PLEA FOR PRESENT AMITY. LORD BIRKENHEAD SUMS UP. By Talegrapk—Prc.3s Association—Copyright. (Received 12.45 a.m.) A. anc. N.Z. LONDON. Oct. 25. " Wo have been confronted liy a great problem in South Africa," said the Earl of Birkenhead in a speech which he made' at a dinner at the Irish Club, at which Sir Francis Bell (New Zealand) and other Dominion representatives were present. " We have had the advantage of finding ourselves face to face with two remarkable men, Botha and Smuts," continued Lord Birkenhead. " These men were two great South Africans who, nevertheless, took the view that the proper course was to bury the dead past. " I do not for a moment believe that South Africa's distinguished representative, General Hertzog, differs on essentials from the views of those people, either in South Africa or here, who have attempted to recompose the elements of bitter difference. Ido not see in the formula which General Hertzog has used any suggestion of a difference which could not bo composed within the limits of that freedom which is the very meaning and essence of Imperial relations." Lord Birkenhead proceeded with a reference to Ireland in somewhat similar terms. He recalled the fact that Collins once said: "You cannot treat us like Australia or Canada. We do not care how great your daughter nations are. We are not your daughter; we are a parent nation." Lord Birkenhead concluded by saying the past should be forgotten. MR. COATES IN LONDON. DAIRY BOARD CONSULTED. CITIES TO CONFER HONOURS. Australian n.nd N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. J. G. Coates, to-day interviewed the London committee of the Dairy Control Board. He lunched with the Earl of Balfour. Mr. Coates is to have the Freedom of London conferred upon him on November 19, and that of Edinburgh on November 24. BROADCASTED TALK. INVITATION TO SETTLERS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 10.55 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25. " In our favoured country we are engaged in building up a young, virile nation. It is still in its infancy, but we have hopes that it is destined eventually to become a counterpart under the Southern Cross of your own island group. To all who like to come and settle in, or visit, New Zealand we extend a warm invitation." Thus the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. J. G. Coates, concluded a general talk on New Zealand which was broadcasted by wireless throughout the country this evening. In the course of his talk Mr. Coates gave a general description of the Dominion as a young country enjoying a beautiful land, and a fine climate. It had a problem which entailed spending large sums on vast public works incidental to extending settlement; nevertheless the national debt, including the £76,000,000 war debt, was being reduced every year. DOMINIONS' EIGHTS. FACTOR OF EMERGENCY. LONDON PRESS COMMENT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (B-ecd. 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, Oct.. 2G. The Morning Post emphasises the right of the Dominions to be consulted as to foreign affairs, but says the Foreign Minister, like an officer on the bridge, must face sudden emergencies. The consultation agreement must, therefore, bo on general lines of policy, with a good deal left to the executive head. " As for contracting in or out, it is constitutionally impossible," says the paper. " TLf. liabilities of Locarno, for good or evil, embrace the British Empire, whatever our statesmen may say."