THE MAGIC SIGN; "M.P."

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1010, 28 December 1910, Page 7

THE MAGIC SIGN; "M.P."

Mr. P. O'Hea, solicitor, of Durban, Natal, writes to the "Standard of Empire" protesting against tho "consummate effrontery' of gentlemen elected to the Union Pariament of Souti Africa, assuming the title "M.P." Mr. O'Hea suggests "U.R." for Union Parliament representatives, and "P.E." for representatives elected to the Provincial Houses. Mr. O'Hea writes as a former member of the' House of Commons, and asks for an expression of opinion on tho point. This is one of those points which is generally settled by reference to precedent. When the Confederation of Canada brought tho Dominion's Federal Parliament into existence its members adopted the "M.P."; Provincial members using the letters "M.P.P." ' When Australia became n Commonwealth tho members of its 'Federal Parliament - adopted the "M.P."; members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Councils adhering to their and "M.L.C." The "M.P." is used by members of the Dominion jarliament of New Zealand, arid wo do not remember that these well-established precedents have ever met with any adverso criticism. This being so! it is not easyj to follow Mr. O'Hoa's objection to the course taken by members of the Union Parliament of South Africa. It has to 1m remembered that the modern basis, of Empire unity is not fealty to any one State, but to the ideal of co-partnership in 'the Empire. The Dominions arc in no. sense-subordinates; they are partners \n the Empire. ■' .