LABOUR AND THE EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20235, 20 April 1929, Page 12

LABOUR AND THE EMPIRE.

A pleasanter tone was given to the Budget debate in the House of Commons by the contribution of Mr. J. H. Thomas, who was at the Colonial Office in the days when Britain had a Labour Government. After the bitter outburst of Mr. Snowden, this speech voiced a view of Imperial politics that can reasonably be shared by men of all parties. In fact, it lifted questions of moment in the inner working of the Empire to the non-partv level where they should he kept. Mr. Thomas, it will lie remembered, years ago proved himself honestly eager to understand Imperial problems, frankly owning his ignorance of them when lie accepted the colonial portfolio and showing a commendable aptness in learning lessons of fact and of policy. He did his share toward maintaining the principle of continuity in matters affecting the Dominions and the Crown Colonies. What he ha? just said concerning the flag, migration and kindred topics declares him to stand to-day where he stood so firmly then. It is greatly to be regretted that his attitude has not been adopted by Labour as a whole. Too many of the party seem bent rather on putting sand in the bearings of the Imperial machinery than in lubricating it. They have been churlish toward the Dominions with reference to the Singapore base and the general safeguarding of ocean communications; they have derided Imperial preference ; they have given scant heed to the operation of the Empire Settlement scheme. What is chiefly to be feared from a return of Labour to office is that it would hring a disintegrating influence into play, in spite of what Mr. Thomas and those likeminded would see done to foster Imperial solidarity. It seems too much to hope that this minority, undoubtedly loyal to the larger outlook, will be able to.direct the councils of the party.