The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, SEPT. 23rd., 1916. UNION OF EMPIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1614, 23 September 1916, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, SEPT. 23rd., 1916. UNION OF EMPIRE.

THE Hon. Thomas Mackenzie, K.C.M.G., in an article in the Einancier, has some interesting remarks on British trade after the war. In discussing the mailer, he says:— “There is wide scope for reform in connection with our Consular service and trade representation, and in addition In a knowledge of business, familiarity with the language of the country to which the Consular oflieer is sent is indispensible. The day of untrained servants or statesmen is past. Those who have shown themselves successful in commerce ought to be* secured by the State if we are to hold our own. The very best of our people must be called into aid, irrespective of social or political influence, so we may be able to deal with these* great problems capably and efficiently. What we have* to light is the conservatism of the lime, the official tendency to emphasise* advantage's e»f prese*nl methexls of (raele* and com-mere-e* ami to exaggerate the* dange*rs e>f untrie*d e*xpe*rime*nls—in sheirt, to do neithing but talk and warn and elelay. There is a conservation abend all parties enjoying pe>we*r and an avoidance eif everything that emtails change*. They are* e-emlenl with what is, anel positively hate anything that will cause them tremble consequent on action; limy do not wish to be taken end e)f the known groove. There are ■many whe> will make e*ve*ry attempt; to aveiiel (he re*al issue rather-than meet it. This war ought to be the means of bringing about a very (rue union of Empire if emly emr leaelers will recognise that aetiem is now necessary anel eneleavour to bring abemt that which will binel ns more closely together. They have te> think not only of emr present interest but of what the future lues in store for us. It is needless to go over the vast heritage entrusted to our care —its area, population, ceunmerce and wealth. It is to us a sacred trust, and we cannot evade our responsibilities, even if we would; we have to hand on that trust complete, as we received it. The freedom of the world and its civilisation is at stake if we fail. We must, therefore, prove, ourselves worthy of those great men who have built up this vast heritage and handed it down to us. Those of us who are entrusted with the interests of Dominions oversea and have carefully studied the question as applied to us will be ever ready to

give of onr experience if required —will watch with grave concern every step in Hie ladder of events. If, when the Allies meet and take counsel they deal capably with the situation, humanity and civilisation will reap a glorious reward for all the noble lives lost and suffering endured. Meantime —

Humanity, with all its fears, With all its hope of future years, Is hanging breathless on its fate.”