The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 14th, 1923.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) MONDAY, MAY 14th, 1923.

LABOUR AND THE KING. Abu J. H. Thomas, ALP., replying to criticism levelled against himself a'nd other Labour Leaders, for having dined at Buckingham Palace said:—-‘Tn my judgment the controversy is receiving unnecessary attention, but as some of my colleagues have gone to the length of issuing a manifesto it may be well if I state the other side: There are two points involved—the constitutional and the personal. On the constitutional side, speaking in the House of Commons in the last Parliament, when an attempt was made to drag the King into a political controversy. 1 stated that ill my opinion if the Labour i’arty came into power to-mor-row, they would find the King prepared to accept their advice as readily ns that of the Liberal or Tory Parties. I certainly have no reason to change that view, nud if that is the situation, can w;e do other) than accept, and indeed! appreciate such constitutional action P If, on the other hand, Air Ramsay AlacDonnld had been ignored as the Leader of the Opposition, it would have meant that the Labour Party had been deliberately flouted, and the first people to have raised it as an issue, and to create an agitation would probably have been those who now take an opposite view oil this matter. The King would have been accused of bins against the Labour Party. I would like to know when or in what way we, as a party, have ever declared ourselves for a Republican constitution. If that course is ever adopted, after tho party as a whole has considered the pros and cons, then clearly those who take exception to tho existing constitution would have the right to complain, but certainly not before that issue has been determined, have they any right to criticise. The personal aspect is even more mean and dangerous. It presupposes that we are neither to associate with nor include among our friends anybody who either happened to be wealthy or whose political views disagree with our own. Ls the embargo to apply to those in our own ranks, who do not happen to 1cIcng to that section, commonly known as the workers, because if so it will mean ignoring many in our own ranks whose brains and sacrifices are a- great asset to the party. Carrying this argument to a logical conclusion, am I to say to the general managers of the railway companies, many of whom it is known are close friends of my own, ‘Because you are on the other side you are to bo treated as lepers so far as we, the Labour Party are concerned?’ The whole thing is absurd and ridiculous. Such a policy could only lead to class antagonism, and in the end it would be disastrous to the country. Speaking for myself I am responsible on the constitutional aspect to the electors of Derby, and I will accept their verdict on this issue alone. On the personal side of the question my own union will be the judge of my conduct., and I asolutely refuse to accept either the censorship or guidance of Others in the matter.”

Good sport appears to have been secured by some of the deer stalkers in South AA'estland this season. Alessrs Robert Hiel aiul William McLeod of the North Island who traversed a block in the upper Hanst district secured quite a “bag” as the following record shows, the measurements of the heads taken being: Points Spread Length

The sportsmen a.ro so pleased with the results of their trip 1 that they are again applying for further blocks to stalk over next season. Deer are reported to he very numerous in South AYestland, and as the Haast region is a very favourable country for ready access into the higher regions, it is exceptionally good sporting territory, and naturally is much sought alter by those who are votaries ol the particular sport- of deer stalking.

It is unfortunate that the bad break in the weather up north prevents the representatives of the Exhibition Council proceeding to Nelson and Blenheim to-morrow, as was intended originally. In addition to the local representaiives, Alessrs Butler. Jeffries and Evans, Alessrs Parfitt (Afayor of Greymoutli) and H. R. Barrett was to have joined the party, which would have made the delegation a representative one. Exhibition matters appear to bo creating a great deal of interest outside the district, and no doubt the event will bo & great success. 4bo mission of the delegates was to interest the public of Reef ton, Westport, .Murchison, Nelson, Pieton and Blenheim in the big event, and no doubt the effect of the visit would be reflected in the increased enthusiasm of our northern friends. The general layout of the Exhibition is very highly approved, and meantime particulars of the plan are being sent in advance of the delegation, so that the various centres will become informed of the extent of the scheme.

The relief of Ladysmith ill the actual days of operation was an event in which the whole world took a deep interest. It is interesting to l,e reminded again of the notable event. The Ladysmith dinner held last February at Prince’s Restaurant, London, was attended hv more than fifty officers who have survived from the days ol the s'ege. Though interrupted during the late war, the dinner has become an annual event, regularly held on the day of the relief, February 28th. when at last the four months’ blockade was broken through. Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey presided on this occasion, and among the many distinguished officers present, were: General Sir lan Hamilton, General Sir Novil Afnerondy, Sir Edward Ward (permanently known, in Sir George White’s phrase, ns “the h?st commissariat officer since Moses”), General Sir Edward May—in fact, the list of famous soldiers would )-e 100 long to quote, for it is really remarkable how many officers who shared the dangers and hardships of the siege have risen to high position in the service and the country. Colonel Archer-Shoe acted ns lion, secretary and organiser for the occasion. Out of the many war correspondents shut up with Sir George AA bite s little division, few still survive, but- they were represented .by Colonel Lionel James, Sir AVilliam Araxwell. and AH Henry Nevinson. The speeches wore pleasingly few and brief, says a London correspondent of the “Afanihester Guardian,” and the speakers dwelling chiefly upon the importance' of the siege, not only in the South African AYar, hut in the development of the spirit of union between the Navy and .Army nil the one hand and between the Mother Country and our outlying fellow-subjects on the other. Illusti ntions upon both these points "ere natrally drawn from the history of the Great War itself.

ints Spread l.eii( in. in. 11 361 38 n 37 39 12 36 38 12 40 37:1 13 371 39 1(5 371 40