POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 154, 29 June 1907, Page 5

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

THE NEW DO3PNION. (By Telegraph.—Parfiainentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. There has been no. enthusiasm over the proposal to call New Zealand, a dominion instead of merely a colony. One of the critics expresses an opinion that in proposing the change Sir Josepk Ward is acting without any authority whatever, and obeying rather the traditions of the spread-eagle Imperialism, which has had its day in this colony. The Premier's explanation of the change in nomenclature is that it is beyond ail question that the term "colony" means to the average man a new and unsettled country. The large colonies, Canada and Australia, have moved out of the ruck by changing their names, one to donw 110 !! and the other to Commonwealth, and New Zealand is the only other .self-gov-erning country which still retains the appellation of colony. "I am quite sure, he added, "that in the eyes of the English speaking people, the great majority of whom know very little about.us, the result will be a considerable increase of status. It will not add to the cost of administration in any way whatever. I am perfectly certain that the colony as a whole will be. favourable to the proposal. THE AUCKLAND MEMBERS. Mr F. E. Baume (Auckland East) has not yet commenced his sessional duties, having been delayed in Napier by a professional engagement. Messrs Stallworthy (Kaipara) and Bollard (Eden) are also away temporarily from tne scene of political activity.