N.Z. POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1921, Page 3

N.Z. POLITICS

ARTICLE BY SIR J. ALLEN

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

ißeceived This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, May 5

Sir J. Allen has signed aa article) in the “Manchester Guardian” on economic and political developments of New Zealand. Referring to the existe ing Parliament, he says there was prace D tieally no difference between the Liber- • al and Labour parties. Some members " of both parties would regret tin; extinction of the Liberals and replacement J by an opposition consisting of Labour- ? ites dominated by extremists. There is ' no cohesion among tlie present Lnbour--1 ites. At least three-fourths favour coni’ stitutional methods for securing betterment of the workers. » Referring to the report of the national executive of the Federation of Labour advocating the socialisation of industry, Sir J. Allen regrets that employers ''insufficiently considered the executive’s scheme. Experience demonstrated that nationalisation has not cured industrial strife. There are more strikes in state owned, than in privately owned coal mines. Also the Government railwaymen have adopted direct action, New' Zealand is financially strong, notwithstanding its indebtedness. Dealing with the future, Sir J. Allen thinks the position resolves itself into two problems firstly, relationship of several free nations under one sovereign; secondly, provision for defoneo against foreign aggression. In reference to the first, some new method is necessary to preserve the Sovereign from an impossible situation which might arise from conflicting advice. He supports this by quoting differing interpretations, in South Africa . and New Zealand, dealing with mandated territories; also Canadian and . Australian proposed ambassadorial representation in America. He criticises the designation “Imperial Cabinet” be“cfluSO the term implies too intimate a relationship arid prefers Imperial Council, which should bo permanent, but only advisory. Ho maintains that do- q fence is dependent on the efficacy of tlie League of Nations, and suggests the creation of an Imperial General Staff under the proposed Imperial Council.