THE HONOURS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1161, 23 June 1911, Page 4

THE HONOURS.

FURTHER PRESS CRITICISMS. Many of the editorial references to the Coronation honours in so far as they affect New Zealand consist merely of a recital of the facts, with particulars of the persons honoured. It is noteworthy, however, that all tho papers we have seen aro enthusiastic in Men , applause of the IU-curaliun ior hir Joshua Williams. Wo print further opinions below. Wo gave the substance of the Auckland "Star's" criticism yesterday. The "Star," winch is a stauncn Ministerialist organ, is alarmed mid indignant at the baronetcy. Its article, wlncli is now fully lu baud, need not be lurthcr quoted iroin. It will sullico to say that is is written with while-hot energy, and is over a column in length, wiiolly devoted to Sir J. G. Ward's "error of judgment."

The "Xyllelton Times,'' another Ministerialist organ, is more polite. It mentions Mr. Seddon's refusal of a baronetcy, but goes on to say: "Tho Dominion will be ready enough to congratulato Sir Joseph upon the mark he has received of his Sovereign's favour, but we are afraid that in spite of its fervid loyalty it takes only a languid interest in ribbons and decorations and questions of precedeuce. Its love of a lord is expressed by its appreciation of the character and Iho achievements of the man. Past experience suggests that a title is of no assistance to a colonial politician in -Riming tho confidence of tlie people, but Sir Joseph has borne the honour of knighthood so modestly that he is not likely to givo any cause for offence under his new burdcti." The "Otago Daily Times" contrasts Sir J. Carroll's long waiting for his honour with the swiftness of the assuagement ot Sir J. G. Findlay's "undemocratic longing" for a. title. "The circumstance cannot be overlooked," it says, "that ho was a rejected candidate for election to the House of Representatives, and that he owed the opportunity for the service which has gained him his present distinction to an entirely undemocratic and anachronistic method of appointment of members of the Upper House." The "Times" notes the tardiness of the Government's recognition of Judge Williains's distinguished services to his Majesty. Tho "Wairarapa Age" says that Dr. Findlay's knighthood "will come not so much as a surprise as a bomb in tlio democratic camp," and of the baronetcy for the Prime Minister it says:— "Sir Joseph Ward has made, himself tho most prominent Imperialist in the Empire during the last few years. His gift of a Dreadnought on behalf of New Zealand, on his own volition, was a master-stroke of aggrandisement. His more recent attempt to create an Imperial Council of Defence, without deignin!; to consult the people, of this country, added to his' lustre—and lie has cot his reward in a Baronetcy. The. moral is obvious. If one wishes to aspiro to titular greatness, he must play tho game for all it is worth. Sir Joseph has played it. He is no longer plain 'Sir Joseph. lie is a real live baronet. On his return to ■ New Zealand he will bo welcomed with open arms. Tho bands will play, 'Iliilo Britannia!' The guns at tho forts will herafd his approach! The Government offices will be closed for tho day! We shall all be happy! And in this world of 'every man for himself, his >. itanic Majesty will take the hindmost-vhich will be the working man who is sS iving to maintain a family on eight sU dings a day! A Baronet at the head of a working-man's Government will bo a sight for the gods!" „,,.,. Tho Wairarapa "Daily News" thinks Sir Joseph Ward has "well earned his. own title," but it objects to the hcrcditary character of it. "Hereditary titles," it says, "are out of place in these corurnumTho "Rangitikei Advocate" is brief in its comment.—"Tho Premier has secured a baronetcy, which will allow the prefix to be transmitted to his heir, and Dr. Findiay, who could never ge* a oonstituencv to elect him, and Mr. Carroh, of "taihoa" fame, are entitled to the prefix "Sir" as K.C.M;G.'s, though this confers no.i.Utjle on any other member of the family,' , in- •vhiclu -respect it is different from Sir Joseph Ward's new rank. But many New Zealandcrs will wonder what is the value of such titles, seeing how little merit is required to win them." The "Horowhenua Chronicle" strikes a note all its own:—"His Majesty King George, in granting this new titular favour to the Premier of tho Dominion, has shown in unmistakable manner his own and his advisers' opinion of the detractors of Sir Josepli Ward and of the unsubstantial basis of their calumniations.' 1