The Waikato Times THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1934. THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19421, 22 November 1934, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1934. THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

After being in recess for only a few days the Imperial al V a " ment has now been opened by the King for a new session, w ic promises to be as momentous as any which have been held m ie past five years. Affairs of immediate national concern do not u v so largely on the programme for this session as they have done m the past. The reason, no doubt, is to be found in the fact t a considerable progress has been made in the financial and economic affairs of Britain, and attention will therefore be able to be devoted to matters of wider significance.

Nevertheless there are several domestic matters which will receive early attention. - Prominent among them are the Government s scheme for re-housing, for the assistance of the distressed areas, and improving air services. A matter in which all parts of t e Empire will be vitally ooncerned is the proposal to assist Britis tramp shipping. It has become evident that concerted action is necessary by all the members of the Empire if British shipping is to resist the challenges which have been hurled at it by the heavily subsidised merchant marines of foreign countries, and the Imperial Government’s proposals will no doubt be of peculiar interest in view of their relation to the steps which may be expected in this Dominion and Australia.

As we have already indicated the item of first interest in the new session’s business is the consideration of the report of the Joint Select Committee on Indian constitutional reform. The Prime Minister has stated the intention of the Government to allow for a full discussapn of the subject matter of this report, but it is amply evident tot the debate will not he allowed undue prolongation. According to Mr MacDonald the pledges given to India in the past have come to maturity, and the Government is determined to see that they are honoured in the way which will best conserve the solidarity and integrity of the Empire.

It is apparently the intention of the Government to persevere in its efforts to promote the authority and prestige of the League of Nations, and to secure a disarmament agreement. In these two tasks there is scope for the unlimited exercise of the qualities of enthusiasm, faith and sincerity, At the same time idealism must be tempered by a realisation of the urgent need of improvement in the Empire’s defences. These two aims are not easy to harmonise, but that must be done. The Government cannot afford to ignore the dangers of unpreparedness, but while it remains alive to these needs, it will have to press ahead with full vigour in the task of promoting international goodwill.

It is very true that the world at the present time looks to Britain for leadership in many international questions. In order to satisfy the requirements and responsibilities of its position among the nations Britain must show greater firmness r and unity of purpose than in the past. The role of mediator is no easy one, but it must be played without any wavering from the principles which have been enunciated, and which might with advantage be again enunciated for the enlightenment and benefit of other countries. Although the outlook is fraught with doubts and difficulties, Britain at least possesses the friendship of all her neighbours. That friendship carries its duties, but it also confers privileges, and they should be utilised to the utmost in order to effect a greater measure of security.