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Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1924, Page 2

Tfif. fateful Allied Conference is in session in London. On its work depends the immediate future of Europe, and incidentally the world at large. The practical .results rif the mooting will depend very largely on the part the United States plays in the renewed negotiations. That factor on top of the effect of the nbsenco of M. Poincare from the deliberations, should have some fruitful results. There is. some reflected glory upon Britain duo to the prompt action of the Primo Minister in successfully organising the conference in opposition to sectional opinion in Franco. The visit of Mr Ramsay MaeoDnald to Paris and the clearing Up of the situation so that confidence was voted in the French Government, was an initial stepping-stone towards the ultimate success all hope tor. Mr If an i.say MacDonald. it is plain, has a good deal of European opinion with him very firmly. Italy is decided, and Belgium is favorable. The United Slates is very cordial, but still aloof. Germany is disposed to fall in with the Dawes report as a means to the settlement of the reparations r/uestion.s. There is always France to he counted upon. Political opinion there is so sharply divided that any Government may not lie sure of its position with the power of the press turned against it. There is some reason to hope that Mr Barnsay Mae Donald, who is chairman of the conference, will have some ameliorating suggestions to offer which will smooth the way towards the desired objective. Surely all Europe desires peace, and the British Primo Ministei is out to secure it if at all possible. Behind Mr MacDonald will be. the full force of political opinion in Great Britain. There is a great opportunity before the Prime Minister who is showing day by day that lie has those qualities which should count in such a crisis as the present. For it is a crisis—Europe is at the pin ting of tho wavs. If a way out of the impasso regarding the settlement of the reparations can be found, it will lie a signal victory for the benefit oi the woild at large, and the date of its accomplishment will he one of the most memorable and historic in the whole history ol the Great Mar.

Paiii.iamknt this week managed to dear decks for real business. The debate on tin* Address-in-Beply was condemned even by those who paiticipaled in ir—which showed the 1 utility ol it all. The Government is now face to face with the business side of the session. There have been three weeks in which to put the finishing touches to measures intended .lor presentation, and there should now lie no lost time to the task of Parliament proceeding wit h legislative measures. 1* rom time to time there have been indications of numerous bills— but all in the barest outline. Although successive deputations on a host of questions have pressed for particulars of bills in which the parties weic interested. Ministers have been very reticent, and tho pulslic are quite in the dark as to the scope of action proposed. Legislation affecting taxation is likely to be reserved till after the debate on the Financial Statement which is likely to bo taken up sooner than usual. Government will feel its way on the subject and from the tenor of the debate "ill follow the provisions of the mcasuie in mind. Safety first is the cardinal rule with tho Government remaining in oilice il»v such a slender majority.