JAPAN AND WORLD PEACE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18592, 28 June 1922, Page 4

JAPAN AND WORLD PEACE.

When Baron Kato accepted the Premiership of Japan two weeks ago he declared that his Cabinet had come into power for the avowed purpose of carrying out the agreements of the Washington Conference in spirit and 1 in letter. A condition of his acceptance of office was that the Army leaders should reduce the estimated Army Budget by 40,000,000 yen and also adopt a general policy of retrenchment. The cable message which we published yesterday from Tokio indicates the influence of the new Cabinet on military expenditure. The army will be reduced by 56,000 men, at an estimated saving of 23,000,000 yen. While this of itself does not wholly meet the condition laid down by Baron Kato it represents a large contribution towards his policy, of economy. It will be noted, also, that a strong national sentiment is reported in Japan in favour of a much further reduction. It is a sentiment, it is true, that is associated with / the existence of economic conditibns which make it imperative that taxation shall be Teduced. No doubt the financial difficulties of Japan are an important element in the decision to reduce military expenditure, as indeed they are in other countries, but in common justice it must also be recognised that new Japan is anxious to become a trusted member of the nations of the world. She pledged her faith in disarmament at Washington and there is no real evidence available to suggest that she has any intention of breaking it. When Lord Northcliffe denounces the Japanese as " the Germans of the East," and, as such, as a race that is to bo regarded with deep suspicion, equally patriotic and discerning critics declare to the contrary, affirming that Japan will act honourably in her international dealings. In such circumstances it is' 1 fair to judge Japan on her performances, and those performances during recent times have been such as to beget at least a distinct measure of confidence in the honesty of her declarations. In any event, it is unwise to seek to prove the contrary in objectionable phraseology. Writing in the Forum, a new and promising Australian fortnightly, Mr Arthur Jose observed that it was not the whiteness of Australia that the Japanese deprecated, but the rudeness. " The writer," adds Mr Jose, ' " remembers vividly a conversation with a •high official who was afterwards Prime Minister of Japan. 'Wo do not oppose your White Australia,' said the official, • for we understand it.' In like circumstances we should do just the same. One need not live in another man's house to be friends with him. But we do not like your talk about us. Ask

us to stay away, yes; but why call us monkeys?’” In international affairs Japan should be credited with honesty until she has been proved guilty of deceit.

A soldier first and foremost, the late Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson had a soldierly bluntness of speech. A staunch Unionist, he had no partiality for the present Coalition Government. A melancholy interest attaches to the criticism passed by him upon it in a recent address at Oldham. He was not among those, Sir Henry said, who believed that the nation was rich enough to keep both the Empire and the present Government. When the war came to an end, the British (Empire was at its zenith. The military advice which, the Government of that day received—and had always received—was “to come out of those places that did not belong to us and to hold on to those places that did.” The policy of the present Government, he affirmed, was to try to govern those places “that did not belong to us and to neglect those that did.” England, Egypt, Ireland, and India were being misgoverned, said Sir Henry, while the endeavour was being made to govern Silesia, Palestine, Constantinople, and Mesopotamia upon which an enormous amount of public money was being" wasted. After commenting upon the “scandalous expenditure,” and “appalling extravagance,” which, he said, marked the- period during which the present Government had had absolute power and unlimited control, he concluded : “These eternal conferences should be stopped. Mr Lloyd George had said that if the Genoa Conference did not succeed it would be a disaster of the first magnitude. If the Conference did succeed in the sense that Mr Lloyd George wanted, and finished with mating friends with the Bolshevists, it would be the greatest disaster the world had ever known. Instead of becoming friendly with the Bolshevists we should become even more friendly with our own Colonies.”

What results may follow from the intervention of the Vatican in the dispute between the Moscow Government and the Russian Church there is no saying. A recent message from Rome stated that the Pope had written to M. Tchitcherin protesting against the imprisonment of Russian bishops and offering to buy the church treasures from the Soviet. That may or may not represent the position correctly. It was no doubt inevitable that under the Communist regime the Russian Church should be subjected to persecution. For it had dared to lift its voice against the Third International. As early as January, 1918, at the All-Russian'Church Congress in Moscow, the Fathers of the Church proclaimed a solemn anathema of the Bolshevists as servants of the dark forces. Since then, many priests have fallen victims to the Red Terror. According to the account given by the President of the London Russian Orthodox Parish Council, 22 bishops have been done to death and even tortured. From the same source it has been declared that, though the Communists have proclaimed unbelief as the religion of the State, the flame of religious belief has acquired a fresh impetus with the Russian people. It is added—“ The decree concerning the confiscation of the treasures of the church in aid of the famine-stricken population could not fail deeply to perturb the faithful. No one believes that the proceeds of the sale of church property will go to the famine-stricken people. The Soviet authorities are expressing great difficulty in carrying out the decree. The faithful often foregather in the church and prevent the Commissars from removing the treasures. It is .a painful .and uneven struggle. It is not of course the gold and jewellery that matter, for the Church will endure without them. What matters is the cynical mockery and derision of religious feeling—the set policy of the Bolshevists. The essence of Bolshevist policy is clearly illustrated in the ferocious articles in the Soviet Press, full of wild abuse of the Church and insults heaped upon the Patriarch. What the Bolshevists want is not famine relief, but a new excuse for anti-religious propaganda.”

The artist’s calling is not popularly supposed to demand particularly courageous qualities, but surely an artist must have the heart of a lion to undertake to ( depict upon one canvas 22 life-sized Generals in khaki. One thing at a time is supposed to be a very good rule, and it might have been thought that this would apply even to portraits of eminent soldiers. Considerations of space, as well as of economy, may have dictated that the 22 Generals should be included within one frame for the adornment of the National Portrait Gallery, furnishing thus, moreover, a companion picture to Sir Arthur Cope’s “Naval Officers” of last year. In undertaking to delineate the 22 Generals Mr Sargent, R.A., doubtless knew what he was about. His reputation was in any case not likely to suffer. As shown in the latest Royal Academy exhibition, the huge picture does not appear to have created any praise. It has, of course, evoked some comment. It seems to be agreed that the artist, accepting his task as one of straight-forward portraiture, recognised the impossibility of getting pictorial interest out of 22 khaki tunics, 22 pairs of khaki riding-breeches, and a like number of pairs of brown riding boots, and did not attempt it. The khaki-clad war leaders are spread out in a formidable row. A commentator observes: “Mr Sargent must have been bored with his thankless task and unfortunately this boredom prevailed when he painted the 22 even-toned faces. General Botha seems to have aroused him from his lethargy for a moment. Ho had given him energy and character. The other portraits are fair enough likenesses, but they are uninteresting, unaccentuated, and lacking in that vitality of brushwork which so far has always been so conspicuous a feature in Mr Sargent’s portraiture.” The National Portrait Gallery, be it said, is not an art gallery in the strict sense of the word. It. is aptly described as a collection of pictorial records of eminent personalities.

The ferry steamer from Wellington failed to connect with the south express from Christchurch yesterday morning, with the result that mails from the north have had to stay there overnight. By to-night’s express from the north a double North Island mail and the Niagara’s Australian and English mails will arrive in Dunedin. The police advise that the two male inmates who escaped from the Seacliff Mental Hospital on Sunday evening were apprehended yesterday in a street in the vicinity of the Dunedin Railway Station. They were returned to the institution. The prices of butter have been advanced in Christchurch as from yesterday. The rise in factory butter represents 2d per lb wholesale, the price having been increased to Is 9d per lb net. The retail price is now Is lid per lb. Separator butter has been advanced from Is 2d to Is 3d per lb wholesale. The further jump in prices on the London market is the reason for tiw revision of rates.

A Taumamnni Press Association message states that the missing public works officers, Mr P. Keller (district engineer), and Mr J. Oorlett (roads overseer) have not yet been found. There is no informa l tion so far from the Waimiha search party, hut the party searching Taupo saw a fire 15 miles distant. It was then too dark to proceed further. No information has boon received from the party searching from Mokai. Mr F. W. Furkert, engineer in charge of the Public Works, has arrived at Waimaha, and will probably link up with the search party. It appears that Corlett sprained an ankle recently, and it is thought that it may have given way again. A Press Association telegram from Auckland, despatched at midnight, says a message from Taupo states that a beacon fire, 15 miles away, has been lighted. As this was a prearranged signal of the finding of Keller and Corlett, a launch has gone to investigate. A pleasant function was held in the now supper room of the Early Settlers’ Hail yesterday afternoon, when -the president of the association (Mr G. Calder) presented the next-of-kin of ex-presidents of the association with gold badges of membership in recognition of the services rendered by these presidents in the past. In a neat and gracious speech, Mr Calder presented badges to the following: —Mrs Petro (on behalf of Mr E. B. Cargill), Nurse Reid (on behalf of Mr John Reid), Miss F. Reid (on behalf of Mr Donald Reid, sen.), and Master D. Reid (on behalf of Mr Donald Reid, jun.). Other speakers were Dr Fulton, Mr James Duthie, Mr F. W. Knight, Mr W. Nicolson, Mr W. H. Ferens, Mrs Petre, and Mr H.. Reid. A social hour was spent, and afternoon tea was served by the ladies, this being much appreciated. The gathering terminated with the singing of - “Auld Lang Syne.” The action of the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education, in defending the issue by his department of Pamphlet No. 13 as a basis for instruction in schools on the effects of alcohol was heartily commended by the United Temperance Reform Council last night. Mr D. O. Cameron, jun., who presided, said that they all admired the way the Minister had stood foursquare to all the opposition and' had published a straightforward and convincing reply. He had deserved the thanks of all well-wishers of the country and of its children. The secretary was instructed to convey the council’s thanks and appreciation to Mr Parr. When the earthquakes in the Taupo district became more severe about a fortnight ago (says a Wellington Press Association message) permission was given to the postmistresses at Wairakei and Oruanui to leave their posts if they wished to do so. It seems, however, that they have both preferred to remain on. duty. Professor Marsden, who is continuing the investigation into the disturbance, mentions this fact in a communication to the Post and Telegraph Department. He eulogises their devotion to duty, and adds that their work has been of undoubted value to him. A novel argument was advanced in the Conciliation Council yesterday morning when the agent for the Engineers’ Union urged that a reduction from 44 hours to 40 per week would operate as a means of reducing unemployment. The argument failed to impress the assessors for the employers, and the proposal was eventually withdrawn with the consent of the union’s representatives. Work has been started on the second cut at the Southern Reservoir, but operations have been suspended during the last few days on account of the bad weather. Despite the unpleasant conditions out of doors last evening there was a large attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Dunedin Gardening Club, which was held in the- lower Burns Hall. Some initial difficulties were experienced in gaining admission to the building, but after those present were seated inside they were kept keenly interested by an illustrated lecture on the subject of “Manures” by Mr R. B. Tennent, of the Agricultural Department. Mr Tennent dealt with the subject very fully, and at the close of the lecture he was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks on the motion of the chairman, Mr F. H. Hollingworth. As part of the campaign to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (wires our Christchurch correspondent) the Department of Agriculture directs special’ attention, to the detection and condemnation of cows in the Christchurch district suffering from this disease. In a communication received yesterday by the Hospital Board from the Director-General of the Health Department it was said that the district superintendent of the Department of Agriculture had stated that samples of milk from the 48 registered dairies supplying the city of Christchurch, representing 545 cows, were submitted to the laboratory for examination for tubercular infection during 1921, and that negative results were obtained from all samples. The following represented the number of condemnations of dairy cows in the past seven years, beginning in 1915:—83, 39, 39, 29, 37, 51, and 26. It was added that the vigilance of the Agricultural Department’s officers had increased. Dr Valintine commented that the report should remove any alarm about tuberculosis in dairy herds in the Christchurch district.

A Press Association telegram from Auckland says that the City Council has decided to take a poll of the ratepayers on the proposal to borrow £IBO,OOO, to purchase the animals from Boyd’s Zoo at Onehunga, which has been closed owing to the Borough Council passing a by-law prohibiting the keeping of wild animals within the borough, this leading to a considerable litigation. The City Council proposes that the zoo be located at Western Springs, Grey Lynn. Last summer’s brass band contest at Wellington (says a Press Association message) produced a profit of £928. The prize money, was £7Ol. Of the receipts £2269 came from gate money, £1247 of it from the quickstep competition.. It was decided to invest the money in view "of another contest; but if one cannot be secured within five years a meeting will bo called to consider what to do with it.

Mr J. R. Bartholomew, S.M., presided over a brief sitting of the Police Court yesterday morning, when charges of drunkenness and of breach of a prohibition order were preferred against William Grove. Mr Irwin, who appeared on his behalf, pleaded “guilty” to both charges. Senior-sergeant Mathieson said the facts were that Constable Alexander had noticed the defendant being put out of the Oban Hotel at 6 o’clock the previous evening. He saw that the man was drunk, and subsequently arrested him. He was a first offender, and this was his first breach of the order. Mr Irwin said defendant’s order would be up on July 2. Ho had made a mistake, and thought it expired on June 2. His Worship inflicted a fine of 10s, with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment on each charge. The ferry steamer Maori had an exceedingly rough passage from Wellington yesterday (says a Christchurch Press Association message). She was not berthed until 9.40 a.m. —more than two hours and a-half behind heir usual time. Some of the shields of the portholes were damaged by the force of the storm, and several cabins were flooded. A Gilbert,ian position has arisen over the election of a deputy-chairman for the Anama Road Board, of which tho Hon. W. Nosworthy has for many years been the chairman (says a Press Association wire from Ashturton). Owing to the enforced absence of Mr Nosworthy on Ministerial business, the deputy is, in effect, the real chairman. The younger progressive party in tho district this year secured the election of some of its nominees to the board of live members. Mr Nosworthy was unanimously re-elected chairman, but when tho following meeting assembled, and Mr Nosworthy was absent, nominations .were called for a deputy. Mr Duff proposed Mr Morrow, while Mr Bowler proposed Mr Brown. A stalemate ensued, in which neither nominee could secure a seconder, nor would either withdraw. Last Saturday night a special meeting was called, and an attempt was made to end tho impasse, Mr Nosworthy specially attending. He diplomatically refused to second either nomination, but offered to resign, creating an extraordinary vacancy, and thus clearing the position. Finally, despite protests, Mr Nosworthy resigned, the other four members, aghast, following suit, and the electors will now, have to find an entirely new board.

The tramways department intends to make a start towards , the end of the week with the work of duplicating the Anderson’s Bay tramline from the Queen’s Drive to Bawhiti street. This is the portion which it is proposed to complete in the meantime. The local treasurer of the European Student Belief Fund, Mr G. W. Eeid, reported to a meeting of the Belief Committee that he had received so far a sum of £331, of which he had forwarded £290 to Dr Broadhead, the New Zealand treasurer. The Rev. Dr Cameron presided over the committee meeting, and reporls were received from the various sub-com-mittees. These showed that the Invercargill Technical College and the Southland Girls’ High School were taking steps to gather old clothes and have them sent fofward to destitute students. The possibility of sending meat forward had been inquired into, but it was found that in the meantime that could not be done. Monthly contributions were coming to hand steadily from a number of secondary schools, and Professor Pringle’s circular letter had been distributed among the scholars. t To a townsman who has been enjoying the past few weeks of glorious sunshine and crisp frostiness of the air, it may sound paradoxical that just across the water the proprietors of strawberry plantations have been casting anxious glances skywards in the hope of having their desires for the prospects of rain realised (wires our Auckland correspondent). The break of the weather at the week end was welcomed by these growers, who had complained of the frost during the early morning and the hot sun throughout the day baking fho earth and retarding the “striking” of the young plants. In the ordinary course of strawberry-growing replacements' could be effected in the event of the young plant dying. This season, however, this could not be done owing to ftn immense shortage of new plants. Many thousands were required for replacing the usual planting failures, but, in addition to these not being forthcoming, growers were faced with a phenomenal shortage in supplies of young plants, aggregating at least 1,000,000. The crop is expected to be lessened to a corresponding degree. With regard to the motor ship Hauraki, which is expected to reach Port Chalmers to-morrow, the following telegram was yesterday forwarded to the general manager of the U.‘3.S. Company (Mr D. A. Aiken) by the secretary of the Otago Importers’ Association:—“lmporters still anxiously waiting to know whether Hauraki will berth at Dunedin. Failing this, serious consideration will be given to placing future shipments with the- Canadian Government Line, who arrange for discharge at Dunedin wharf.” Something in the nature of a breeze was created last evening at a meeting of Urban School Committees when the question of the oath of allegiance and loyalty to the flag was undar discussion (wires our Auckland correspondent). At the conclusion of a speech by Mr W. S. Moxsom, a prominent Labour leader, and a member of the City Schools’ Committee, Mr H. A. Potter, chairman of the Mount Eden Committee, put a question to Mr Moxsom: If elected to the Education Board would you be in favour of the board’s regulation that Trafalgar Day be observed by the flag being raised, and the children suitably addressed, being strictly enforced by every school committee? Mr Potter added that in view of the fact that this had not been done last Trafalgar Day by the City Schools’ Committee,- he felt justified in putting the question. Mr G. H. Pardington, chairman of the City Committee, rose to his feet and heatedly exclaimed that Mr Potter had made a mis-statement that should not be allowed to go unchallenged. Mr Moxsom replied that he could not promise offhand. He might find himself at any time in a minority on certain questions that came before the board. The oath of allegiance raised & ticklish point. As a true and loyal Britisher he would abide by the law, if the board’s regulations stated that such should be done. He really had no say in the matter, however. Another speaker said there was far too much jingoism nowadays. What a person did should really be the measure of his loyalty. After a little more discussion the matter was allowed to drop. _ A Press Association message from Wellington says that the members of the Arbitration Court will leave for Christchurch early in the coming week. Arrangements have been made for hearing.the discussion in connection with the Greymouth Waterside Union award at Christchurch.

Dr F. Truby King, 0.M.G., will be m Dunedin on Friday, when ho will deliver a lecture to-'nurses in connection with the Health Campaign. Sprung in the right places, built to resist road shocks for the rider, yet maJces the machine durable—Harky-Davidson motor cycles.—W. A. Justice and Co., Otago Agents. 292 Princes street. Dunedin.—AHvr “Well done, Mary! Your dresses look like new.” “Of course they do, because I always use ‘No-Rubbing’ Laundry Help, and what else should one expect with this scientific discovery?”—Advt. Get in on this:—White Calioo, 36 inches, heavy weight, free from dressing. Usual price, Is 6d. Sale price, Is yard.—Moliisons (Ltd.).—Advt. Why pay more? High-grade tailored suits, from £6 10s to £9 10s. Dress suit specialists. Every ooat guaranteed tailored by hand, Satisfaction guaranteed. G. S. Roberts, tailor, Stock Exchange. Late night Friday.—Advt. The nip for nippy winter weather, Watson’s No. 10. Fine old Scotch whisky... For Children’s hacking cough, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. —Alvt A E. J. Blakeley, .dentist, Bank of Australasia, corner of Bond and Rattray street* (next Telegraph Office). Telephone 1859. - Advt. Save your Eyes.—Consult Peter O. Dick, D.8.0.A., F.LO., London, consulting and oculists’ optician.—“ Peter Dick,” jewellers tnd opticians, Moray place, Dunedin.—Advt