SIR J. PARR IN LONDON.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16813, 3 June 1926, Page 5

SIR J. PARR IN LONDON.

A GOOD BEGINNING

OPINION ACCUILvTELY GAUGED. (Special lo Times. ) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The general opinion here is that Sir James Parr, in his frank statement to the London press concerning the Dominion's imperial aspirations, has made a good beginning in his occupancy of Ihe- High Commissioner's office. The country will agree heartily wilh him that it wants no increased status that would carry it any further along the road to independence. Even Ihe rank and file of the Labour party, however loosely some of their leaders may talk on occasions, are agreed wilh the most ardent Imperialists on this point, ami stand ilrmly for the unity of the Empire under a constitution permitting Ihe widest form of democratic self-government. Sir James again expressed popular opinion when he went as near as might be to ridiculing the idea of sending Home a member of the Legislative Council to represent the Dominion in London. This suggestion was given short shrift here, and it is just as well the fact should be emphasised abroad.

Sir James seems also to have spoken limely words in regard to the Imperial settlement schemes, so far as they affect New Zealand, and to have given the authorities at, the other end lo understand that with all its loyally the Dominion could nol he made a dumping ground for Ihe Mother Country's surplus population. This is a tnilh that had lo be spoken.