The Waikato Times. With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1921. MR MASSEY’S ADDRESS

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14771, 10 October 1921, Page 4

The Waikato Times. With which is incorporated The Waikato Argus. MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1921. MR MASSEY’S ADDRESS

The speech made by Mr Massey at the luncheon given by members of the Legislative Council and the House of Heprescnlalivcs to the Cabinet was a general summing up of the work of the Conference which lias just concluded The speech was rose-coloured throughout, for Mr Massey is always optimistic. He 4s, however, fully entitled to claim that the Conference has made for unity, and in the absence of details, which will presumably be given later, that is Hie only point upon which it is possible to express an opjnion. In stressing the need for unity of Empire, Mr Massey is expressing the feelings of the whole country. Both sentiment and interest combine to make us essentially and emphatically loyal to the Empire, and it is a matter for congratulation if the doubt about the position of the Empire has been laid at rest. The doubt was created by the action of Dominion Prime Ministers in signing the Peace Treaty as distinct nations. There is no precedent by which international jurists can be guided in this case, and even now it is certain that before many years it will be necessary to define the position more clearly. Mr Massey went out of his way to point out that nothing was being done to interfere with the autonomy of the Dominions, but there was no necessity for the simple reason that nothing of the kind was even indicated. The position, however, is that the Prime Ministers of the Dominions have returned to their homes and left the British Government to act for the Empire until the Conference meets again, subject only to such consultation as can be carried on by cable or letter. A much greater stroke * for Empire wmuld have been made if representatives of the Dominion could have been appointed to reside permanently in London as a consultative council- Any discussion on constitutional points was, however, deferred, but it must come up for consideration again. One point came out at the Conference which occasioned a certain amount of surprise. There was a greater tendency to differ in opinion between the various Dominions than between Britain and the Dominions. Mr Massey repeats his favourite contention that the Conference is a Cabinet, and on this point is proof against logic. The Conference is a meeting of Prime Ministers from the different Dominions, who endeavour to reach agreement on the points under discussion. Where it is known that agreement is unlikely the matter is not considered. It is fortunate that in most instances the members were able to reach an agreement, but so long as this can only be done by avoiding contentious subjects, we cannot, afford to overlook the limitations. It is a considerable achievement to have attained the amount of unity that exists. The British Empire is the most valuable asset the world possesses for the preservation of law and of liberty. If it should dissolve, the shock to the world would he almost as serious as that sustained from the war. It behoves everyone to recognise the value of the Empire, and to be prepared to see its bonds strengthened. In this country at least the old suspicion of the Colonial Office has died away. Perhaps it is fairer to say that the generation which entertained that suspicion is dead, fur it is very many years since we have had any cause to complain. II was (his attitude of suspicion that led to the German belief that the Dominions would seize Ibe occasion of war to declare their independence. The Germans were mistaken in attaching importance. to words, but that docs not alter the fart that the words were unwise. Mr Massey is one of those who think wc have not seen the last of war. In

one sense, no dotibl, he is quite cor-

rect- Among uncivilised or semi-civi-lised countries there will be war; the settlement made at the Peace Treaty will not last indefinitely. Such fighting. however, will be local, and while it will cause great suffering to those directly affected, it will not produce world-wide disaster. War on a great scale between first-class Powers is not likely to lake place within any measurable length of time. The instinct of mankind teaches it that such war can only result in universal ruin. The causes that lead to such wars generally operate for many years; the part taken by those who actually put the match to the fire is generally a small one, and the conflagration is the result of definite forces and not of man’s action. It is, however, possible for mankind to promote an atmosphere of peace or an atmosphere of war. For that reason we should have been glad if Mr Massey had had a word of encouragement for the League of Nations, or had made a reference to the forthcoming American conference on disarmament. It may be perfectly right to maintain a certain amount of capacity for defence, but there is no necessity for constant reference to it. What seems to the speaker to he nothing beyond the most ordinary declarations of patriotism sounds differently to the foreigner- If anybody can remember anything wiiich happened before the war they will he able to recall instances where declarations made abroad sounded strangely to us. Mr Massey’s remarks were harmless enough, hut they would have been more welcome if they had pointed to the hopes for peace. On domestic questions Mr Massey confined himself to the expression of a hope that by the end of the session the country itself would be 'living within its income. Something more than this, however, is wanted. The income of the country is much less this year than last, and if the Government takes the same amount for the purposes of the State as it did last year, it will be necessary to reduce the demands of the Stale to meet the decreased capacity to pay. This cannot entirely be done, because interest and pensions are a fixed amount which must be met. There is, therefore, occasion to look for economies in all other possible directions. Mr Massey had had a strenuous time at Home, and has made long journeys. It seems like over taxing any man to call on him forthwith to take up the burden of domestic politicsThis, however, is the system which has grown up during the last few years, and until it is altered the penalty for power must be paid. It is pleasant to think that Mr Massey’s labours do not seem to have affected his health or vigour in any way, and that he is apparently in excellent form for the coming session.