EMPIRE PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 130, 4 June 1919, Page 8

EMPIRE PARLIAMENT

-0 THE EDITOR. I Sir, —The war is over and peace is about to be declared, and as far as the British Empire is concerned we can heartily congratulate ourselves on the result _ thereof. The next scheme is to consolidate our vast fabric covering a quarter of the earth's surface, and develop our resources of untold wealth so that we shall continue to hold the premier • position among the nations of the.world. If the war has ■ taUglit us anything, surely we have learnt that unity of ■command is of supreme importance. The tide soon turned on the Western front when General Foch took the helm. I wish to advocate and explain a plan of 'Empire Union, which has a large support in Canada and is becoming very popular. It is highly . desirable that we should have an Empire Council or Parliament of ■ a permanent nature, to be elected by the representatives of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South. Africa, and Canada. This council not to be too large and unwieldly. Its functions to be to ascertain the requirements for the defence of the whole-Empire,'viz., the Army, Navy, fortifications, dockyards, etc., also the control of submarine cables, wireless stations, mail subsidies for ships, and all foreign treaties, and aircraft. Each | year estimates should be made for these purposes, and the total- amount ascertained. Then the United Kingdom, Dominions and Crown colonies, should ■contribute their quota, according to population, trade, resources, etc., and it should be the duty of the local' Parliament to find the money for Empire defence before incurring any other expenditure. As far as possible the money raised by any country should be spent therein. The rates of pay should be according to custom in each country. This scheme would ensure absolute equality and produce the unity of spirit so essential to our welfare. If confederation is good for Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, why not for the whole Empire? This is the day for big bank, shipping, and business amalgamations in their own, interest. Why should we not be up to date and cement- together our Empire, of which we are all so proud,, but' which hangs together by .sentiment only? It has worked all right so far, but what about the future and the great influx of nonBritish peoples? The time is now opportune and ripe, so may we soon see our dreams realised. Local autonomy for local affairs, butthe defence of the Empire is an Empire affair which vitally concerns us all and should be beyond and clear of local party politics. Unity is strength. Hoping that' these few suggestions will be of use to our brethren in New Zealand.—l am, etc., UNITED EMPIRE. , Montreal, 12th April. ■