WELLINGTON NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1918, Page 1

WELLINGTON NOTES.

AIORE MEN. THE MOTHER COUNTRY CALLS. (Our Special Correspondent) WELLINGTON April 3. The Mother Country’s call for more men has heen addressed to all the outlying portions of the Empire, and New Zealand has no need to reproach itself with having neglected its diuy in this respect in the past. The Minister of Defence has received any indication from the Imperial authorities as to what further effort is desired from the Dominion and .cannot speak definitely on the subject just yet. If all that is wanted is that the New Zealand Division should be maintained intact till the end of the-war* there will be' no necessity for any fresh effort. If, on the other hand, the AA’ar Council requires more men sent forward'irrespective of reinforcements, of course they will be supplied. It might mean calling up the B. Class of the Second Division, a little earlier than had been ■anticipated, but in any case the men would be given -the promised three months’ notice before going into camp. There are men in all classes of the Division who would bo glad to volunteer’in advance of their turn and it is just possible these may ho given an opportunity to come forward first;

COLOURED TROOPS. Mr. Lloyd George’s message'has given Sir James Carroll another importunity to urge the claim of the ci loured races of‘the Empire to a larger share in upholding the cause of right and liberty in, the great world struggle. Sir .Tames has never wavered for a moment in his firm belief that Britain arid her Allies will ultimately dedestroy Prussian militarism, “and all the abominations for which it‘stands.’’ and “win for the world an abiding peace which will make for the betterment .of all mankind,” but lie wants •very portion of the Empire, “to have a hand in bringing about the inestimable benefits that, are to follow upon efforts and sacrifices.” Speaking today to a representative of the “Guardian" he said he had satisfied himself by. the closest investigation that the Mother Country could put ten million coloured troops into the .field without offending against any national sentiment and without impairing any of the white man’s high traditions. He had discussed this question, while a member of the Parliamentary delegation, with representatives men in London and Paris and Cape Town and had not heard one valid objection.

COAL AND LABOUR, The announcement this morning that the State Coal depot here lias not a hag of coal for its regular customers has set the people thinking of what is going on at the source of supply. Tlie melt at the Paparoa mine are to make, up their mind to-day whether they will resutne work or whether they will continue their to coerce some of their number into subscribing against their will to the Australian Strike Fund. If their decision should be in favour of maintaining their present attitude the Government will take vigorous action without further parley, and the men will obtain little sympathy from the general public. For weeks past it has been an open secret That the supplies of coal in the city have been running very low, and' that the Railway ’Department and the steamship companies have been compelled to “go slow” on account of the threatened famine. In these circumstances the minors, whose grievance is not against their employment, would have little moral or material support. NATIONAL EDUCATION.

The deputation from the New Zealand Educational Institute which waited upon the Hon. J. A. Hanan yesterday with a number of recommendations for the improvements in the education system of the Dominion .ole tained little encouragement from the Minister except in the way of fair words. The deputation wanted improved building,s and grounds, more inspectors medical and dental inspection and treatment, compulsory continuation classes, central schools and additional staffing. Mr Hanan admitted that all those things were highly desirable ami promised that “when Cabinet gave him the opportunity”— meaning, it may be supposed, the legislation and the money he would see they were 1 brought about. Meanwhile the Efficiency Board, the military authorities (and private employers rare criticising unsparingly the finished pro duels of the national system of education and urging thaC-much-needed re form should not be delayed till after the war. They arc insisting, indeed, that they are among the sorest needs for the welfare and stability of the country.