JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1920, Page 4

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

(Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

SOLDIERS’ HEADSTONES.' WELLINGTON, August 16

Cabinet agreed to the design of the headstone that is to be placed on the graves of all New Zealand soldiers who fell in tbe war. This matter has been discussed at great length and remained unsettled until Sir James Allen reached Britain, and had time to inspect some stones that have been erected already. Ho cabled a few days ago reco.unionding the Government to agree to a particular design, and this has now been clone. THE DESIGN. The headstone is to he a plain cross 2ft. 6 inches high and 1 ft 3 inches wide. A circle at the centre of the cross contains the words, “New Zealand” surmounted by a fern leaf. The material is to be Portland stone which is reported by experts to be sufficiently durable. The name, rank and regiment of the soldier will be inscribed on the cross and provison may be made also for an inscription provided by the relatives. Tile crosses will be provided and (placed in position by Government. JAPANESE MISSION CANCELLED Some time ago the Japanese Government indicated through the Japanese Ambassador in London, that it intended to send a special mission to Australia and New Zealand. This mission was to include naval and military officers oF high standing, and the purpose was to bring about a better understanding bed tween tho Japanese Government on tbe one hand and the Commonwealth and. Dominion Governments on the otlie:! hand. Tlie Commissioners would have travelled in a Japanese warship, i scheme has been abandoned, as a result of representations made through the British Ambassador in Tokio The N.Z. Government, it is understood, die not regard the mission with favour, although it recognised the valuable services that had been rendered to the Dominon by the Japanese fleet during the war. The Australian Government definitely protested against the mission on the grounds that it would create difficulties and raise questions that were better left alone.