A ONE-SIDED CRITIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19768, 16 February 1927, Page 6

A ONE-SIDED CRITIC

It seems only necessary to mention Imperial matters to put Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the New Zealand Opposition, into his sourest mood. The Premier’s return, gave him the opportunity to make a speech in Westport a couple of nights ago, when he had some sneers at the Imperial Conference, but told us nothing that we did not know before.

Then Mr Holland proceeded to rush headlong into a pitfall which fairly yawned for one who was ready to leap before looking. He condemned the British Government for not consulting the League of Nations concerning China. It may be wondered what were his feelings on reading in the next day’s papers that the League authorities themselves stated they were powerless to intervene because there was no Government with which they could treat, but two of them at conflict with each other. Surely a man in the position of Leader of the Opposition should have know that without being told!

Mr Holland next rebuked the British Government for what he called its war-provoking policy. But he said nothing whatever about the far more provocative acts of certain other people. Here again the cables told us what Mr Holland did not, and we learned that colossal imports of arms and munitions were pouring into China for Chinese use—from whence? Not from Britain, but from Russia, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. But does Mr Holland blame these countries for assisting the Chinese to make war? Not by a single syllable! He reserves all his censure; for his own country. We suppose he is entitled to do this if his own particular east of mind inclines him that way. But he might at least show some sincerity in his criticism, prejudiced though it may be.

Does Mr Holland really think the people of New Zealand will stand his sour criticism of Britain and British interests for ever? He had, at last general election, an impressive enough lesson that New Zealanders are loyal to the Imperial connection and not disposed to accept his guidance in regard to it. Apparently, he did not learn it thoroughly enough'