THE PEACE CONGRESS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 49, 22 November 1918, Page 5

THE PEACE CONGRESS

Sir,—Your correspondents dealing with what Parliament is doing—or rather not doing—and with the Peace Congress, have written some stimulating remarks. I would "like to offer, through the medium of your journal, one or two suggestion's. I would suggest that Parliament pass a series of resolutions:— (1) That this Parliament, representing the people of New Zealand fat all events in this matter), express its unswerving loyalty to the British Throne and its gratification at the signing of the armistice.

i (2) That the terms of peace be left to the Allied Powers, with the reservation that no lands in the Pacific, formerly in the possession of shall be restored to that country. (3) That seeing the pressing and urgent needs of New Zealand in the matter of legislation necessary and consequent to after-war problems, this Parliament wiii resume its sittings after the New Year adjournment on February i, 1919, to deal with such problems as demobilisation, repatriation, pensions to crippled soldiers, - compensation and awards to the returned men wbo are fit, adequate relief to soldiers' dependants, the cost of living and. the putting down of trusts and combines; not to speak of the necessary provision for more money and heavier taxation.

(i) That in view of the necessity for speedy dealing with the problems cited, this Parliament appoints Sir Thomas Mackenzie, the High Commissioner, to represent New Zealand at the Peace Congress,'thus relieving Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward of absenting themselves from the Dominion,, and thereby hindering and deferring the pressing and - urgent needs of the country.

If there was anything importantr-such as the payment of our war expenses—to bs discussed at the Peace Congress, Sir Thomas Mackenzie should be instructed by cable how to act. In this way he would have the mind of the Cabinet, and Parliament would be in session also, and could be consulted. The point is that the two leadera are not so much required at the Peace Congress as they are in New Zealand.—l am, etc., REFORM.'.