PUBLIC OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17410, 12 December 1924, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION.

WHAT OTHER WRITERS ARE SAYING. WAR LORD AND PEACEMAKER. The Right lion. Winston Churchill, who was First Lofcl of the Admiralty at the beginning of the world war and through nearly two years of its progress, who was afterwards, in 1918-21, Secretary of State for War. and who is Onc6 again in Ministerial office, may he somewhat mercurial in his political tendencies; but even his opponents payhomage to his intelligence and quickness of perception. As First. Lord he formulated proposals for aggressive action by the naval forces which were not always well received; but here, again, it has been said that the most effective work done in the North Sea was undertaken in the spirit of the offensive which Mr Churchill urged upon his colleagues. All the more noteworthy, then, is the fact that before his restoration to Cabinet rank Mr Churchill had ranged himself on the side with those whose fervent desire is the abolition of war. In a striking article written for the ‘Pall Mall Magazine” he lias pictured the ruin, verging on utter annihilation, which another war might bring to mankind, and affirmed his conviction that “to sustain and aid the League of Nations is the duty of all.’' “Wanganui Chronicle.” OUR STOCKS. What the object was of the remarks made by a London correspondent about I colonial loans in London, it is not quite easy to comprehend. It has the appearance of a warning to investors that the stocks are not safe, merely because the English law permits the investment in them of trust moneys. The history of the matter is simple enough. There was a time when colonial securities were new things, and strange, and in consequence regarded by financial people with suspicion. But. as the financial stability of the colonies mostly now known by better titles- became more and more evident, their stocks came to be regarded as really good se curities. As such securities were not as plentiful as the demand for them required, attention was very soon directed to the stocks of the oversea dominions, and the evidences of their stability were duly noted. The natural consequence was the statutory admission of these stocks to the area of trust investment. But it was well understood that the permissoin was not a British Government guarantee. *• X.Z. Times,” Wellington. THE GERMAN ELECTIONS. Latest election returns indicate that no political party in the newly-elected German Reichstag has a working majority. Jt is. however, quite apparent that the German people, for the present, at least, have no desire to return to the old discredited monarchical regime. Nevertheless, the dissipation of the forces of democracy. as suggested bv the Berlin correspondent of the “ Daily Chronicle.” “ leaves the Reichstag situation almost as ambiguous as before the dissolution.” “ Apparently a permanent Government majority,” says the same authority, Ci is impossible with a coalition of parties which are as little qualified to lie down together as the lion and the lamb.” Unquestionably the indecisive result of the election is a true reflex of the mental confusion of mind and the chaotic economic, conditions prevailing in Germany. Political q u i d n u ncs, however, a re j a u n t i I y toy - ing with The. uncertain situation resulting from the election.—“ Tim aril Herald.” HOUSING At last week’s meeting of the Dun edin City Council a. deputation from the Citizen’s Housing Committee preseuted a series of proposals. The gist of these is that at least one hundred houses should be put in hand immediately. these to be built of permanent material, at reasonable cost, under the supervision of a Housing Board representing the City Council and various unspecified public bodies. This may look very well on paper, but it hardly stands analysis. Our experience of collaboration between local bodies forbids all expectation of dispatch in" any matter calling for joint action. Tf a hundred houses are to be put in hand immediately—and the need for at least

that- number at the earliest possible date is indisputable—then it must not be under a Housing Board constituted as proposed by the deputation. The Mayor of Dunedin, perhaps aware of the inability of members from different local bodies to work together harmoniously and expeditiously, told the deputation that he doubted whether the council would favour the idea of a Housing Board.—“ Dunedin Star.” THE EMPIRE JX COUNCIL. The ne\y Secretary for the Colonies lias brought his common sense to bear on the constitutional aspect of Imperial relations. His chief has already, by inviting the High Commissioners to discuss with himself, the Secretary for the Colonies and the Foreign Secretary, questions in which the dominions are concerned, impressively manifested Jiis determination that Imperial consultation shall be real and effective. What Mr Baldwin lias done Mr Amery now' admirably supports. Three points stand out in his statement to the Overseas League First comes the opinion that nothing is seriously amiss with the present constitution of the Empire. From time to time meddling faddists have propounded schemes, more or less elaborate schemes, for remodelling the constitution. The intentions of such reformers were usually unexceptionable. but their schemes often imperilled the unity they sought to serve. Were the Empire mechanically constituted, the efficiency of its activity might be improved bv mechanical means. Taking it to pieces, installing new features, even tinkering with it. might then get more work out of it. But- the Empire is not a. machine; it is a. growth. “New Zealand Herald,” Auckland. A PLACE ON THE MAP. As it iv definitely announced that the British Empire Exhibition will reopen next year New Zealand must, decide whether she will maintain her court.. There has been so much criticism of the Dominion displ&v (offset. it, IS true, by considerable praise) that the Government may doubt whether further expense is w a ranted. The issue, as it appears to us. however. is stated in a letter which we published from a New land officer at Wembley. The other dominions have decided to remain at Wembley, and if New Zealand now goes out she will wine herself off the map so far as many thousands of British citizens are concerned. If they see Canada. South Africa., Australia, and the colonies there and no New Zealand, their conclusion will be that this Dominion is a poor place, which cannot produce an exhibit, nor afford to display it. Ft will probably cost us more to explain that this is not correct—to explain why we are not at Wembley—than to remain there —Wellington ’Post.”