EMPIRE’S LEADERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1917, Page 3

EMPIRE’S LEADERS.

As Seen by New Zealander Mr U- J- Parr’s ImpressionsIn an interesting conversation Mr 0, J. Parr, M.P, of Ancklind, described his experiences os a parliamentary delegate to Great Britain last year. Hs said that while the war had not prodnoed a genius either of statesmanship or warfare, •it was obvious that there was a very high standard of ability in all the departments of the Imperial Government associated with the struggle. Although there might not be a Chatham, a Pitt, a Marlborough, ora Wellington, men like Mr Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener and General Joffra certainly would go down to history as great men, BRITISH STATESMEN. Referring to Imperial statesmen, he said that Mr Boner Law, who, as Colonial Secretary, welcomed the delegates from the overseas dominions was, perhaps, the most rapidly fluent speaker in the House of Commons. He spoke for two hours without a BiDgle note oh preferential trade after the war. He did not mince 1 makers in respect to the evils of freetrade, and said that the moat hopofnl feature of the present tariff position was the faot that sidcs the war began nearly al! the pronounced freetraders had become converted to the doctrine of Imperial preference. Mr Lloyd George, who then was Minister for War, addressed the delegates on the subject of munitiocs. The keynote of b>s character—undaunted oonrage and quick decision — was disclosed in a great speech. The impression left with Mr Parr was that Mr Lloyd George should have been Prime Minister two years ago. Mr Balfour, theo First Lird of the Admiralty, seemed to be the most charming and graceful personality in British politics His very detachment made him popular with all parties. His address to tb9 delegates on the Navy was enthralling. A GREAT SOLDIER, Sir William Robertson wsb deioribed by Mr Parr es “ the great ranker who practically commanded all British armies.” By his raggednesa of speech and his extraordinary, grip of the military situation, be made a deeper impression on the delegates than was made by any of the great statesmen who spoke. Although the magic of Lord Kitchener’s name had brought new armies to the recruiting stations, it was Sir William Robertbod’s marvellous organisation and capacity for training which, in a single year, had transformed clerke, labourers foundrym9n and professional men into the most efficient fighting force the world had seen, the new Bi l* tish Army. Sir William Robertson supplied the delegates with information that strengthened their belief in the Allies’ preponderance of power and ultimate victory. PARTY SPIRIT DEAD The whole experience taught Mr Parr that the day of the narrow party politician had' gone. He saw, as he had never seen before, the utter futility of party politics in times of a great national crisis. He was convinced that the type needed by the democracy in the hour of trial was the man with organising genius ard a business brain. More than half the members of Mr Lloyd George’s Cabinet never had been in politics in their lives, When ths nation had gone through the furrace of the gigantic struggle, it would never, he hoped, return to party rancour and bitterness. He was convinced that the people of New Zealand, at least, would not stand it, The

idea was so puerile. A THRILLING SPECTAGLE, He gave a thrilling description of the destruction of a Zsppslin on Sept. 2 of last year. He described the flight of the airship, the concentration of powerful searchlights on it, the thrilling flare in the stern of tfcc vessel, the spread of the flames until they reached the petrol tank, the blaze that seemed to illuminate the sky, the descent to the ground, .and the shout of exultation from countless throats. Lieutenant • Robinson, who used his bomb-dart so effectively, Mr Parr said, was the .boro of the hour, and everybody was pleased when it was announced that the insurance companies had given him £3500 and the King had awarded him the Victoria Cross.