LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 60, 5 December 1918, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PEACE CONFERENCE Sir,—ln your issue of yesterday there appeared a letter over the signature of "Interested" in regard to the representation of New Zealand at the Peace Conference. I should have thought that amongst those who take an intelligent interest in our public affairs there could be no difference of opinion as to the Prime Miuister and the Minister of Finance being the two most suitable men to 'represent New Zealand at this historic assembly, not ouly because of their long experience and responsibilities in the administration of the public ulfairs of the Dominion, but from the fact of their able representation of New Zealand on previous occasions at the Imperial Council board. I notice that "Interested" sets out three grounds of objection, the first of which clearly demonstrates that your correspondent is under a misapprehension as to the l'unctione of the National Government. Tho National Government was formed for the purpose of assisting to win the war and at the same time maintain the prosperity and stability of the Dominion. In this no impartial critic can deny that both of these aims have been successfully achieved, and, moreover, tho important legislative enactments which have been placed on the Statute Book during tho last few years disprove the statements made by "Interested." Aβ for his statement in regard to the National Government not having a majority in the country, I venture to remark that if "Interested" knew anything of tho feeling to-day throughout the country he would know that there has been a marked reaction throughout New Zealand in regard to the leaders of the National Government, and particularly is this the case in respect of Mr. Massey. The Prime Minister has oppressed himself strongjy in favour of Germany being forced to pay an i dequnte indemnity, but like most other peoplo jn this country lie probably has no accurate information in regard to Germany's ability to pay cash. We all know Germany's wealth in coal nnd iron, but we cannot take payment in one or tho oilier.

If "Interested , " had read the interview which the Prime Minister recently gave to the London "Times," he would have seen thnt Mr. Massey strongly expressed himself in favour of the armistice terms being insisted on to the very letter. He has on more than one occusion expressed himself in favour of amending the naturalisation lairs in the direction of making it impossible for any enemy alien to obtain the privilege of naturalisation' for at least '20 years. It cannot be gainsaid thnt the New Zealand representatives have done a very great deal of credit to their Dominion in the War Cabinet and other Imperial gatherings in which they have been privileged to take pa.rt. Only recently! saw a letter from a gentleman at Home, who is well qualified to express an opinion, in which ho spoke in enthusiastic lerms of the impression created by. the Prime Minister while looking after our interests in London. Carping criticism such as is contained in your correspondent's letter. creates, a wrong impression, which should not bo allowed to go forth without contradiction. The interests of New Zealand can be safely entrusted to the two men who have so ably represented New Zealand in the crisis through which , the- Empire has passed during the last four years.— I am, etc., IMPERIALIST.