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Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1927, Page 2

I n a study of the relationship of the Dominions and Colonies to the Mother* land, the London “Observer” has remarked that the idea of a union of coequal and .self-governing communities is already firmly implanted in the English mind. Wbni it still lacks is any adequate conception of the territories classed as “colonial.” The British electorate is directly responsible for their government and prosperity. British labour and commerce are directly and indirectly interested in their progress. Tho fortunes of this industrial island in the coming years arc more dependent on that progress than is yet understood. The. Colonial Empire has an area of two million square miles, a population of fifty millions. Thouuh we have in Lord Milner’s measured words, “neglected und starved” them, the trade between the United Kingdom and this great section of the Empire has trebled in the past twenty years. If the whole force of finance and science at our command could he organised to hear upon that connection, the trading figures could he tre filed again The modern colonial system has st- oil the political test. Britain lias to justify it henceforth by the economic test. Her own interests require it; the world, with its growing interest in markets and raw materials, expects it; and the advancement of the peoples under her rule is a mere aspiration without; it. These views are of interest at this time for New Zealand within the last fortnight or so has demonstrated her practical affection for the Motherland. It has been manifested in two outstanding ways. The first was In the increased preference given to British manufacturers through the revised customs’ duties. And it was very proper that it should. The New Zealand trade is hound up very intimately with the Home market. The prosperity of this country per medium of its trading and resultant finance is derived largely from the well sustained market at Home for New Zealand, produce. It is due to the Dominion to reciprocate and the action has been appreciated at Home, for the cable news informed if.s that when the particulars of the tariff revision were published in England, one of the leading newspapers was moved to write a complimentary article on the subject under the caption: “Thank you, New Zealand.’’ The second effort to appreciate practically what the Motherland is doing for the oversea Dominions, was the vote by Parliament this week towards Singapore base. The Prime Minister had promised the contribution when attending tiie Imperial Conference, and Parliament very properly confirmed that promise, the Labor members alone dissenting. Therein was manifested an objectionable factor in regard to Labor rule, its antagonism to the Imperial aspirations and security of the Empire. At the same time we must realise how much New Zealand is beholden to the British Navy for its security, and we would he lacking in good judgment and wise forethought, wore the Dominion to neglect its obvious duty in assisting to uphold the efficiency of the Navy. The Singapore base is to he adjunctive to the effectiveness of the Navy helping to make as it were our assurance doubly sure. On that account the action of Parliament is to he appreciated and applauded specially.