"JOHN BULLAE CO."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17935, 14 May 1920, Page 5

"JOHN BULLAE CO."

DOMINIONS' NEW STATUS.

"A FAMIJLY CONSULT A-

TION."

VICTORIAN PREMIER ENTERTAINED. Pk*» Aaeociation—By Tolegra'fch— Copyright. LONDON, May 12. * (Received May 13, at 8.5 p.m.) There wae a large attendance of members of Parliament at the Empire Parliamentary Association at the luncheon to Mr W". A. Watt (Premier of Victoria). Tho Government was represented by Lord Milner (Secretary of State for tho Colonies), Mr AValtcir Long (First Lord of the Admiralty), Mr K Shortt '(Secretary of State for the Homo Department), Viscount Peel (Under-Secretary of State for the War Oflico and Air Ministry), Colonel L. C. M. S. Amery. (Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for the Colonies), Mr IT. Pike Pease (Assistant PcstmasterUeneral), Sir L. Worthington Evans (Minister of Pensions). Lord Milner, who presided, in proposing the health of tho guest, said: "Momentous events have happened since Mr Watt last visited England. When Mr Hughes was giving this country his invaluable help Mr Watt directed the AiustraJian effort from the other end. How splendid that effort was and how much Mr Watt's tenacious energy contributed to its success was a matter of history. There are many reasons why Mr Watt is here now. Tie opportune close of tho war and the Peace Conference saw tho British Empire delegation dispersed. It might be possible at an early date to have that body reassemble, but Teasscmble it most in order to maintain the co-operation which is mQire necessary even in peace time if the Empire is to maintain its place in the world. Meanwhile, we,must do our best ..to keep the various units in touch. More can be achieved in a few hours round the table -than in weeks by correspondence at long range. Thus it is with the liveliest satisfaction that Mr Watt'a arrival is welcomed." Lord Milner said he was suro Mr Watt's presence would lead to a< settlement of many questions affecting Britain and Australia, which would be more difficult to settle, if they could be settled at all, without his presence. He cordially agreed with Mr Watt's simile, " John Bull and C 0.," but said that we must fit our arrangements to the peculiar constitution of the firm* It consisted of a number of branches, the boards of which were practically in debit. In dealing with matters of their own interest, freedom was the greatest essential. On the other hand, in dealing with matters of common interest, there was a danger of muddle,unless these boards could be kept in touch and a complete interchange of views secured before final action was taken. He was confident that with all the cards on the table' they would never take conflicting action. The supreme importance of keeping their business together wquld always prevent that. Since the world was continually moving, things could not wait until "John Bull and Co." could meet and talk things over. There should be established some sort of clearing house for an , exchange of views. Would it not be of the highest utility that snch clearing house should be in this country, where the board of the oldest branch was situated? There should be a Standing Committee, on which every branch should be represented. Would it not be possible to have a Minister always here, not always the same man, for frequent changes would bring the latest ideas from the respective units? Mr Watt, in replying, said that the Empire to-day presented problems calling for earnest thought. The dominions, during the war, and at the Peace Conference, and on the League of Nations, had acquired a new status. "We are jealous," said Mr Watt, "of our local autonomy, and we think there is no necessity for any infraction or limitation of our autonomy.' He agreed with the idea, of closer communion by having Ministers in London with a changing personnel, in constant touch with tho Home Government.

Dealing with th'e Peace Treaty, he said that care must be taken to see that the Empire'? voice in international affairs came through one lip. This ■would not mean that the overseas opinion would not be articulate on such njatters. Mr Watt defended "a White Australia" policy. "This doctrine means," he said, "that if there are to be negotiations between Britain and the Mikado, Australia ■wants her views consulted and registered. We must at all hazards preserve the spirit of Empire, League of Nations or no League* of Nations." Continuing, Mr Watt said that Australia believed the Empire was essential to her existence. Australia had many problems for solution, in which family consultation was necessary, but we muddled our way or worked our way through them all. He believed 'there shortly would be a vast stride in federalism, and that a statutory convention would confer wider powers on the federation. He invited the Parliamentary Association, if possible, to send a delegation to observe the proceedings of the convention when it assembled. He concluded by declaring that the cement that bound the Empire now and in the future was pride of race, rather than" any' organic measure.—A.- and N.Z. Cable.