AUSTRALIAN LIBERTY

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN LIBERTY

BRITAIN INSURED BY INFLUENCE. " ' “A PAMPERED SON?” Asks the Melbourne Argus: How many of these young people realise, for instance, that Australia in her great struggle against economic depression has the inestimable advantage of being free to maintain her struggle in her own way? There is nd danger of an external and irresistible force rudely putting, an end. to the discordant discnSsion 'by taking charge of the affairs of the Commonwealth. An Australian Ministry is not only, free to cut down expenditure upon deference; it can do so with a flourish, and wait for tiie applause. The applause is not confined to people who are young. When “brass hats” and “gold braid” have been abolished not one of these intensely independent and democratic people perceives that Australia is ' made safe by the “gold braid” of the British Navy. Australian conditions and the lofty democratic sentiment of tflie people are really. preserved. by a power which Australians do not see but which .has infinitely greater effect than a speech at. Canberra or -a departmental minute by a Minister determined that in his brief hour he shall have some cheers. The country that is walking in safety can kick its heel's now and again. It may lack even the artless chanivof the child who' pretends to court. danger while keeping an affectionate and trustful eye upon its parent. The independent “status” of the “advanced” Australian resembles -more closely the pampered sou of a wealthy parent who takes to him self all the credit for the advantages which he enjoys; though theyparallel just now is not accurate, because the parent can ill afford all that is generously bestowed.