The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1935. BRITAIN’S PLACE IN EUROPE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20102, 8 May 1935, Page 8

The Timaru Herald. WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1935. BRITAIN’S PLACE IN EUROPE.

It is not surprising in view of the reports of the conclusion of pacts and alliances and counterpacts being concluded in Europe, that the leaders of the British Dominions are beginning to ask themselves just where Britain stands in relation to European policy. In the Parliament of the Union of South Africa, the loader of the Opposition (I)r. Malan) expressed the opinion that Britain, France and Italy were drifting towards war, and it would become clear that South Africa would be bound to the combination and be involved. General Smuts, in the course of his reply, warned South Africans not to use European troubles in local political disputes. He said that since Versailles, the victors had not disarmed, with the inevitable result that Germany had rearmed and the world would have to find peace and equilibrium on the basis of rearmament, which was now taking place:

The Government of South Africa had given most ample assurances that its Parliament and people should decide what course the country should take in the event of war and in the last resort. World events would decide that issue. “We are on one of the most important routes in. the whole world, and if we talk of sovereign independence surely it is essential to protect our shores against all comers. I do not expect war, but let us be prepared.”

Some days ago a warning against Britain becoming involved in dangerous European alliances was voiced by Sir Herbert Samuel at a luncheon of the National Liberal Club. “Every nation in Europe naturally wishes Britain to underwrite its own claims,” he said. “I feel convinced that Britain will be very chary of doing anything of that kind. If Britain were to flo so the various States would have less inducement to come to an agreement between themselves on outstanding questions. Such guarantees could liardlv fail to develop into alliances which would be a perennial source of friction. Sir Herbert added ; "We have to be careful lest a policy of alliance should be thrust upon us under the attractive guise of a system of collective security. We see no reason why Europe should be kept in a state of constant apprehension because Herr Hitler is absessed by an idea of the explosive force of Russian Communism, in the same way that Kaiser Wilhelm was absessed by fears of the Yellow Peril. All these are merely the hallucinations of fevered brains and can best be dealt with by a strong dose of aspirin.”

European statesmen are saying, however, it is essential that Germany should cease deliberately to instruct her youth in the spirit of militarism. A glorification of power, for the sake of power, paganism which is ready to trample underfoot justice and morality, nationalism which sees a foe in every foreigner, and a belief that the only patriotism is to be found in a doctrine of blood and iron—that is the creed of criminal anarchists. The sagacity of British statesmen can be trusted to avoid dangerous and entangling alliances, and yet maintain British prestige in the part the Homeland plays in the preservation of the peace of the world. TO-DAY’S ELECTIONS From end to end of New Zealand to-day, the people in town and country will be called upon to exercise the privilege of choosing their local government for the next three years. One of the wonders of New Zealand is'the purity of the administration of its local government affairs, and the willingness of eligible men of all classes of the community to respond to the call to render some measure of public service. In the cities the local body elections are taking on on intensity almost approaching the confusion and wrangle associated with a general election. Moreover, the introduction of party politics in local government seems to have resulted in displays of bitter partisanship which hardly augur well for the calm and friendly conduct of civic affairs in the interest of all sections of the community. Happily for the peaceful conduct of local affairs in South Canterbury, ,the local body electors qp till the present have strenuously and successfully opposed the introduction of anything resembling party politics in local government, being firmly of the opinion that party politics have no place in local body government. Probably the contest that has excited most activity on the part of the candidates is the Mayoral election for Timaru. It cannot be said that the people have evinced very much interest in the meetings of the rival candidates, if the attendances can be regarded as a criterion. The issue as far as Timaru is concerned ought not to occasion the electors very much difficulty in determining the direction in which they should cast their votes. The retiring Mayor and Council have to their credit a splendid record of civic service. The affairs of the borough have been capably and consicentiously administrated. The proceedings of the municipal meetings have been marked by dignity and earnest consideration and the Mayor and Councillors have worked efficient-

ly and harmoniously; indeed, the success of the administration of the municipal affairs of Timaru during the term of office of the retiring Mayor and Councillors entitles them to a renewal of the confidence of the people. Moreover, the splendid record of civic duties well performed that stands to their credit includes the honouring of all promises. Relief has been given the ratepayers in various directions; there has been no increase in the borough indebtedness, but all municipal services have been maintained and distinct advances have been made in improving the town. In a word, the retiring Mayor and Councillors who offer themselves for reelection are entitled, on their splendid record, to a renewal of the confidence of the townspeople. Quite a lively controversy has developed on harbour affairs, and the election of the members to represent Timaru on the Harbour Board should be regarded by the people of the town as an opportunity to make an emphatic pronouncement in support of a progressive policy. The opportunity offered to electors to avail themselves of the services of such a trusted and experienced representative as Mr D. C. Turnbull will no doubt appeal to tlie people. Mr Turnbull’s knowledge of harbour affairs and bis close association with the port and interest in shipping business give him special qualifications which will no doubt make bis election assured. Two retiring members of the Board. Messrs Goodman and Bradley have shown by their stalwart advocacy of a progressive policy and their courageous efforts in face of opposition, that they are in close touch with the needs and potentialities of the port, and they are also fully alive to the dangers that threaten the prestige of the port if an'impression becomes deeply embedded in the minds of shipowners that the harbour authorities are opposed to progress. Outside Timaru the only contested elections for seats on the Harbour Board are in two ridings in the Levels County. The retiring members of the Board, Messrs W. T. Ritchie and W. H. Orbell have shown by their addresses that they are keenly interested in the progress of the harbour, and the importance of retaining up-to-date port facilities for the use of the exporters of products, no less than for the importers, and their re-election should be assured. The election of members to represent the town and several rural districts on the South Canterbury Hospital Board should be regarded by all voters as one of tlie important issues of to-day’s polling. No question is of more importance than the care of the sick, and no district can be said to live up to the best traditions of enlightened citizenship that does not embark upon a progressive hospital policy. Electors should therefore choose wisely when casting their votes for candidates who will represent them in the administration of the hospital affairs of South Canterbury. The need for a progressive policy is obvious to all and support should be cast in favour of progress. Not very much interest has been aroused in tlie choice of members of the Power Board. Although it may be said that the Borough of Timaru ought not to have representation on the Power Board, the fact remains the Borough of Timaru is the Board’s best customer. Moreover, the bigger issues that may be raised within the life of the Power Board to be elected to-day, are the deep concern of town and country alike. Outside Timaru, there are no contests for Mayoral positions, but in Temuka and Geraldine contested elections have been made necessary by the number of candidates offering for the borough councils. Nothing is more conducive to the creation of interest in local body affairs as an election campaign, and in this regard it is interesting to mention that in one or two county ridings, elections are being held which are attracting considerable attention. It may be said by way of general comment that the very fact that public-spirited men and women have been sufficiently responsive to tlie calls of community service to offer themselves as candidates for office on the local government of the district, ought to impress upon all electors the obligation laid upon them to record their votes, not only as an indication of their recognition of tlie value of the franchise, but ns a mark of appreciation of the willingness of members of the community to offer their services as members of the local government of the Dominion.