DOMINION’S PART IN CRISIS

Southland Times, Issue 23651, 28 October 1938, Page 6

DOMINION’S PART IN CRISIS

DUNEDIN RESIDENT DISAPPOINTED

“ABSENCE OF MENTION IN

NEWSPAPERS”

(Special to The Times) DUNEDIN, October 27.

Interesting observations on international affairs and their relation to New Zealand are contained in a letter written to a friend in Dunedin by Mr G. J. Errington, of Dunedin, while he was in Cairo at the beginning of the month. Mr Errington writes as follows:— “Meeting various peoples of different nationalities and getting their reactions to the topics of the day is always a fascinating study and a never-failing source of interest. This remark applies particularly to the international position that has arisen during the past few weeks. In that connection I would like to say, as a New Zealander, how disappointed I was to see a total absence of mention of New Zealand in the newspapers. The Prime Ministers of Canada and Australia hastened to assure England that her troubles were their troubles, and that the Old Land could count on them. Practically all the leading papers in England and elsewhere in friendly countries ’ had leading articles extolling the wonderful loyalty of the two Dominions and even South Africa received a few friendly pats on the back. What has happened to New Zealand th’at its voice is now silent when the Empire’s interests are at stake? Two public men in London and now two very prominent men in Egypt have asked me what New Zealand would do if there was a war. My reply was: ‘Play the game as usual,’ but that fact should have been publicly stated by the proper authorities. This is passed on to indicate the reactions at this end for the want of the right publicity.’’