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Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1923, Page 2

Seen an alternative, as that just mentioned, of course is debatable; hut. ii w o are to have Impel iai Confeiences, the necessity for delegates to debate thereat in privacy, it seems to us. is not debatable. The alternative is not stiile-.l extravagantly. For let us consider a moment what- it would mean if those debates were made public. It is as certain as anything can he, that some question—probably many (|uestioiis would come up for discussion which might well affect or, at least, impigno upon, the relations between the Empire and some other nation. The delegates would express their views with the candour expected of them, and tlin-e views would be then published to the world. What, would happen ? Two things at least might happen, and both of them of serious and sinister import. First, the nation concerned, despite a possible decision in its favour, would be irritated by tlie criticisms of some of the speakers; criticisms, which however justified, would rankle if they did not even have a worst effort. Second, every citizen of the Empire—and indeed, of the civilised world- -would be impliedly invited to take part in the discussion, and to s"ay them by his personal prejudices, if possible. Instead of a carefully-shielded debate, finishing in it concrete decision, the result would he tb.e confounding of confusion, the loss of much lime, breath and energy, and the gaining of nothing Inn considerable doubt and exasperation, which could well be done without. Xo question such as those with which the Imperial Conference must concern itself can he profitably debated by the whole body of citizens; and to publish is to offer a premium to puhlie discussion. By a. strange paradox, the ostensile ‘‘freeing" of the debates bymaking them puhlie would in leality so hamper the tongues of the debaters that all freedom would he lust. JTuin speaking is what, is required at this Conference, and to make it the subject of a. Press “broadcast’’ would he inevitably to lake its plainness tioui it.

AcconniNo to roport there is likely to be a quickening of interest in matter? municipal, shortly. The progressives, as a section of the local Council has been termed, are said to have decided to take the ratepayers into their confidence. and it is likely a public meeting will ho convened shortly to discuss matters on the public platform. The date is said to lie contingent tipon the return of Mr Jeffries, who is at present temporarily absent. Whatever the purpose of the meeting, its ultimate effect should he to do good. The publicity which will be afforded, and the ventilation of local opinion pro and con., will result in a measure of goed which would not otherwise Impossible by the stem silence which for far too long has prevailed in reference to municipal -matters. The town has obligations as well as opportunities. and the latter will be possible only by realising the former. The prime cause of the coming public meeting i s fluid to bo ; lie decision of the

Council against providing means to raise more money. Those members of the Council anxious to see useful and necessary works carried out, feel that they are impotent to act, unless there is an equitable, recast in;; of the rating possibilities, and this subject is sure to be well ventilated when the public meeting takes place.

Or it readers would have gleaned from the notes published from week to week that the Boy Scout movement here has taken a fresh lease of life. It is a worthy movement. The notes published to-day conclude with an expression of sentiment which should find an echo in the Incut of the parent-, of all lads. The spirit of patriotism is woith cultivation. for from it springs the security of our race and people. A good patriot is the host citizen, for he is mindful of his country —anil after all. country is home. Home eoukl have no sec.ivit'y without stable government, and the country which is lacking in law and order offers poor security for the home. The training the Boy Scout passes through fits hint for greater nianTinc-s. and a better appieciniion of what is about him. Nobody can pass through his training without being morally and physically benefitted by the instruction and exercise in which lie takes part. As the movement is so uplifting it is for the lads to seize a. gulden opportunity to help themselves and join in a course of training, the benefits of which they will carry into any walk in later life.

Tin: passing of Air lionar haw. the sane, sensible and ever gentle Englisbnum who served bis rnunuy so well in war time, will cause many a pang of regret. .Mr Bonar haw- though a Conservative, did nut allow political prejudices to blind bis way. He rose to great heights in the esteem of the people as a trusted leader, honourable lo a degree, and one who served his country with conspicuous merit. Ha was a prominent mom her of the Coalition Government. practically all through the war. He came to the lront as a party leader in 1011. when he succeeded Lord A. J. Balfour. Tn 1021 his health began to give way. and he went out of polities for a time, but returned in 1022 to lead the new Ministry which replaced the Coalition Cabinet. and this year bis health again breaking down, gave place to Mr Baldwin. Mr Bonar law was hilly trusted by bis country. His political opponents believed in him. and he was equally loyal io them when Coalition Cocaine a necessity and there was a iu_ sion of parties lo help win the war. Mr Bonat Law's services over that period wore outstanding. He bad been in Parliament for over twenty years and wen the highest respect and esteem o! all, fie will be mourned as few statesmen are mourned when rime claims its victims.