Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1937. MR SAVAGE’S RETURN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 247, 30 July 1937, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1937. MR SAVAGE’S RETURN.

The welcome that awaited Mr M. J. Savage on his return from the Coronation and Empire Conference was as sincere and general as were the good wishes that were extended to him on his departure. New Zealanders may take their politics seriously, but on occasions of national import such as those under review there is no discrimination. The head of the Government is honoured as the representative of the people, in the sure conviction that the national traditions will be maintained. Mr Savage has worthily discharged that responsibility and thus takes his place among those found worthy of the respect of the people. In the ceremonial occasions in connection with the Coronation he expressed in his deportment the affectionate loyalty that animates all New Zealanders. At the Conference he overcame the disadvantage that might arise from the Dominion’s relative importance in the Commonwealth of British Nations by the manner in which he approached the vitally important problems that were discussed. Though naturally hio idealism tinged all his utterances, he showed a full realisation of the fact that he represented all the people as a unit. If his speeches on the questions of foreign policy and defence were those of the idealist rather than those of a practical man of affairs they showed plainly that New Zealand will do her part in promoting the well-being of the Empire, by assisting to preserve world peace and by presenting a united front so that the security of the Empire may be safeguarded. The result of the Conference may not be entirely satisfactory to Mr Savage, but his participation in the discussions cannot fail to be helpful to him. The personal contact with the leaders of the other Dominions will have given him a clearer understanding of the problems that confront the Empire, both as a whole and as individual units. The knowledge thus gained will be reflected in the policy adopted by the Government in regard to intra-Empire relations, political and economic. When that policy is enunciated, the people of the Dominion will judge it not from the standpoint of political party, but from that of a united nation concerned only with formulating and implementing activities for the advancement of the Empire. Passing now to the personal side, the Prime Minister will have returned a bigger man, wider in vision and full of vigour to take up his onerous duties as head of the Government. '