THE SEPARATIONIST

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 125, 19 February 1921, Page 8

THE SEPARATIONIST

SEER OF SEATTLE IN SEARCH OF INFORMATION.

"I had not been more than a couple of hours in Seattle when the telephone in my room rang,” said Air. E. A. Shrimpton, chief telegraph engineer of the Dominion. “I asked who it was, amt the answer was that the. editor of one of tne papers wanted to see me. I really did not want to see anyone, but he was persistent, so I went downstairs, and met the gentleman.” "I just want you to tell me something about New Zealand,” he said. “J don’t know that I can tell you much about New Zealand that is not already known,” I replied. "Could you tell me something— not for publication perhaps?” said the man. "I don’t think I understand you," I said.

"Is there anything doing down there?" insinuated the newspaper man. "Anything doing? 1 would be obliged if you’ would speak plainly,”' said I, still groping. "Well, I will. How is the separatiomst movement progressing?” he whispered. "Separationist—separate what from what?” I inquired “Separate New Zealand from England I” he said. “Never heard of such a movement—where did you get hold of such an idea,” I said. “Then I told hint that we rather liked being English and part of the British Empire; that we owed England quite a lot of money, and that she never pressed for payment, but when it became due lent us more money to pay our old debts; that in any case New Zealand —separated—would lie helpless without the British Navy, and that we did not propose to commit national suicide just yet 'by cutting adrift from mother's apron strings. The man looked quite surprised. He told me that Canada was nearly readv to secede from England and join lip with the States. I tested the truth of that, statement when I was in Canada and found that the great Dominion was just as loyal as was the little one down under. I didn’t know I was so patriotic until I went to the United States.”