JOHN BULL AND CO.

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14363, 14 May 1920, Page 5

JOHN BULL AND CO.

NEED FOR CO-OPERATION. WITH INTERCHANGE OF VIEWS. TO HOLD THE BUSINESS TOGETHER. .(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received .May 13, 8.5 p.m. LONDON, May 12. There was a large attendance at members of Parliament at the Empire Parliamentary Associal ion’s luncheon to Hon. W. A. Wall. The Government was represented by Lord Milner, Mr Walter Long, Mr E. Short!., Lord Peel, Colonel L. C. M. S. Amcry, Mr PikoPeusc. and Mr Worthington Evans. Lord Milner, who presided, in proposing the health of the guesl, said momentous events had happened since Mr Wall last visiled England. When Mr Hughes was giving this country his invaluable help, Mr Watt directed the Australian effort from the other end. How splendid that effort was and how much Mr Wall’s tenacious energy had contributed to its success was a matter of history. There were many reasons why Mr Walt’s presence here now was opportune. The close of the war and the Peace Conference saw the British Empire Delegation dispersed. It might be possible at an early dale to have that body' re-assemble, but re-assemble it must In order to maintain that cooperation which was even more necessary in peace than in war if lie Empire is to maintain its place in the world. Meanwhile we must do our best lo keep the various units in touch. More could be achieved in a few hours round the table -than in weeks by correspondence at long range. Thus it with wilh the liveliest satisfaction that he welcomed Mr Walt, and he was sure that his presence would lead to Hie settlement of many questions affecting Britain and Australia, which would be more difficult to settle if they would he able lo settle them at all without his presence. Constitution of the Firm. He cordially agreed with Mr Wall’s simile, “John Bull and C 0.,” biit we must 111 our arrangements lo the peculiar constitution of the linn. It consisted of a number of branches, the boards of which were practically in debit. In dealing with matters of their own interest, freedom was the greatest essential; but on the other hand, in dealing with common interests there was a danger of muddle unless these boards could be kept in touch, and a complete interchange of views secured before final action was taken. He was confident that with ajl the cards on the table they would never take conflicting action. The supreme importance of keeping the business together would always prevent that, Since the world was continually moving things could not wail until John Bull and Comp ,ny could meet and talk things over, so there should bo established some sort of clearing house for an exchange of views. Would it not be of the highest utility if such a clearing house shou.’d be in this country where the board of the oldest branch was situated? There should be a standing committee on which every branch should be represented. Would it not be possible to have a Minister always here? not always the same man, for frequent changes would bring the latest ideas of the respective unils. Many Problems of Empire. Mr Watt, in replying, said that Hie Empirfe to-day presented prftblems calling for earnest thought. The Dominions in the war at the Peace Conference and on the League of Nations, had acquired a new status. “We a lie said, “jealous of our local autonomy, and we think there is no necessily for any infraction or limitation of our antomony.” He agreed with the idea of closer communication by having Mini-i----ters in London with a changing personnel in constant touch with the Home Government, Voice in International Affairs. Dealing with the Peace Treaty be said care,must be taken lo see tint the Empire’s voice in international affairs comes through one lip- This would not mean that the overseas’ opinion would not be articulate on such matters. Mr Watt defended the ‘“.Viiile Australia” policy. “This doctrine means.” he said, “if there are to be negotiations between Britain and the Mikado, Australia wanted her views consulted and registered. We must at all hazards preserve the spirit of Empire—League of Nations .or no League of Nations. Australia believed that the Empire was essential to her existence. Australia bad many problems for solution in which family consultation was ■necessary, but we muddle our way or work our way through them all.” He believed that there would shortly be a vast stride in Federalism, and that a statutory convention would confer wider powers on the Federation. He invited the Parliamentary Association if possible lo send a delegation lo observe the proceedings of the convention when it assembled. He concluded by declaring that the cement that binds the Empire now, and will continue to hold it in the future, was pride of race rather than any organic measures.