The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 9, 1923. FULL PARTNERSHIP RIGHTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1923, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JULY 9, 1923. FULL PARTNERSHIP RIGHTS.

The statement made in the House of Representatives by the Premier, on Thursday evening, relative to the approaching Imperial Conference, was in every way worthy of the occasion and of the high position he holds as head of the Government of New Zealand. The subject was one that he was thoroughly justified in treating as if the whole of the members of Parliament were staunch in their loyalty to the Empire, and put 'aside all differences of party when dealing with vital matters affecting the safety and the wellbeing of the Empire to which all true British people feel proud to belong. That Mr. Massey adopted the right note of statesmanship was evidenced by the keen and sympathetic demeanor of his audience. He was frank, impressive and logical, his main argument being that the Dominions were entitled to full partnership privileges, the right of direct communication with the Sovereign, also of being parties, as a fully fledged nation, to all treaties entered into by the British Government with other Powers. At the same time he stressed the fact that these privileges entailed corresponding responsibilities and that New Zealand, as well as the other self-governing units of the Empire, must pay the price willingly and adequately. It will probably be considered that the outstanding portion of the Premier’s pronouncement was the unfolding of the proposals of the Admiralty in regard to the Dominion’s share in naval defence. For some years past the question of what form New Zealand’s contribution to the Imperial Navy should take has been a matter of controversy, but since the last Imperial Conference it has been evident that a move was on foot with the object of the Dominion being in nominal charge of a local navy, and it would seem that the proposal has gradually taken shape, having the support—and possibly the influence —of the Governor-General. Although there is much to be said in favor of and against this scheme, there has never been, nor it is to be hoped, will there ever be any diversity of opinion as to the duty of the Dominion to contribute a fair and just proportion towards naval expenditure. “The British Navy,” emphasised Mr. Massey, “is the world’s greatest guarantee of peace, and we must maintain it in such a state as will make it equal to any other navy.” This is not mere sentiment; it is not even national pride and jealousy for the honor of the Empire, for there is also the vital necessity of protecting the Dominion’s trade on which the very life of New Zealand depends. A tremendous responsibility rests on th? British Navy, but the faith of the whole Empire in that responsibility being shouldered successfully is beyond all question. The present proposals may probably go beyond the formation of the nucleus of a New Zealand Navy, but until wars are ruled out of existence there must be no weak joints in the Empire’s defensive armour, and the navy must be ready for all emergencies and at any moment. The other matters mentioned by the Premier may probably lead to much discussion at the Conference without any definite agreement. In the region of economic problems the field for debate is so large and so complex that difficulties will be met at every turn. Not so the question of more rapid communications, which is more a matter of organisation and subsidies than of principle. Another subject of much interest is that of creating an Imperial Council, the presumption being that it is to be a permanent institution. The matter is one that will call for diplomalic aijd. careful iavestieation.

i and it is doubtful whether the ! time is ripe for the innovation. It would be a wise policy for the Dominions not to show a disposition to run before having mastered the initial stages, nor to be too eager to “run the show.” There are certain rights and privileges to which they are now entitled, and these should be granted. Judging from Mr. Massey’s pronouncement, it is fairly safe to assume that he will exercise sound judgment on the many matters discussed at the Conference.