The Dominion. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1915. A CALL TO LONDON

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2600, 23 October 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1915. A CALL TO LONDON

The desire expressed in influential quarters at Home that the Prime Ministers of New Zealand and Australia should pay a visit to London at an early date affords a striking illustration of the impetus which tho war has given to the movement for closer relations between the Mother Country and the Overseas Dominions. It is an impressive recognition of the. fact that the Empire is something more' than a group of isolated and independent fatates cach concerned with its own affairs and caring little about the welfare of the others or the interests of tho whole. The common danger has reminded. us of tho greatness of our common interests, and has 'nndo it evident that though many wo, are indissolubly one. The war has made it clear that the Dominions will in futuro have a more direct and potent influence in tho management of tho Empire's affairs than has hitherto been the case. The i'-ritish Government has promised to consult them fully and effectively in regard to tho terms of peace, and it is now seeking an exchange of views vith the Dominion Prime Ministers icgarding matters relating to the 1.10seciition of the war. There seems to be a strong feeling among Australasians in England that the presence of Mr. Massey and Mr. Fisher in London at the present juncture would be productive of much good. This feeling has found definite expression in_ cablegrams from tho High Commissioners of New Zealand and Australia urging the Prime Ministers to be in London in December or January in order that they maystudy the financial position and give authoritative expression to the sentiments of the people of Australasia in reference to tho war. The Imperial authorities are also, so we are told, desirous to get into closer touch with public feeling in this part of the world, and would be glad if the Primo Ministers cculd mako it convenient to make the trip. A suggestion with such weight behind it must, of course, receive the very ' serious consideration of the Governments of the Commonwealth and this Dominion. The recent visit of tho Prime Minister of Canada (Sir Robert Borden) produced an excellent effect. He was treated not merely as an honoured guest, but as an Empire statesman who could claim by right, if not by law, a real share in tho control of tho Empire's business.

Mb. Massey evidently recognises that the call to London is an invitation which cannot bo lightly declined. Ho says that he is prepared to go whenever his services can be of most use. During the recent session of Parliament he indicated that he and the Minister of Finance (Sir Joseph Ward) would probably find it necessary to pay a visit to England in the near future. But tho present proposal would mean an earlier start than was then anticipated. Both tho Premier and Sir Joseph Ward have just now some very important work in hand. Matters in connection with tho loan which is being floated in New Zealand require attention, and tho recruiting movement is occupying much of the time and thought of Ministers at the present juncture. But these obstacles should not prove insuperable. When the Premier and the Minister or Finance have seen the. recruiting and finance problems placed on a satisfactory footing it should not be a difficult matter to parcel out their duties among their colleagues. , The numerical strength of the National Ministry should enable this to be clono without any very serious inconvenience. But in these critical times it is quite impossible to anticipate the development of events. Great happenings mav take place during the stay of the Ministers in London, and their visit may have to be more prolonged than was originally expected. In view of such possibilities it may be found necessary to hold a short session beforo they leave in order that the Govern--1 niont may be placed in a position to carry on the business of the country till the end of tho, year without again calling Parliament together, This is a mutter which will have to k bo considered. Everything possible

should he done to enable Mr. Maskey, and presumably Sin Joseph Waiw as well, to get away. It is very desirable that the Imperial authorities siiouhl be brought into more - immediate .touch with the views and sentiments of the people of New- Zealand as regards the war and the ultimate peace settlement, and this can only be done effectively by personal discussion and consultation. The PitniE Minister must go as the official spokesman of the Dominion, and, in view of the important financial problems that will have to be considered, it is equally desirable that he, should bo accompanied by the Finance Minister. Their joint mission will in itself be a striking demonstration of the political unity oT New Zealand on all matters connected with tho war.