A WAVE OF LOYALTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1897, 31 October 1918, Page 1

A WAVE OF LOYALTY.

s CHANGE OF TONE IN AUSTRALIA.

Tho wave of loyally demonstrations which is passing' over Australia may bo the result of the improved war situation, but it is more likely a natural popular revolt against the treasonable activities of a small but very busy body of extremists and pacifists which we unfortunately cherish in the Commonwealth, writes the Wellington Post’s Sydney correspondent. Sydney has been the headquarters of the disloyalists, and it is in Sydney that that loyalist revolt may most clearly be discerned. The unfortunate thing is that there exists no organisation carrying a measure of authority which may gather up this growing public sentiment and weld it into a powerful force that is so needed in public affairs. A number of “movements” have been started by well-meaning people lately to counteract tho disloyalist activities. For instance, wo have

“The King’s Men” and “The Vigilanls” —the objects of both of which are to stimulate loyalty and protect Australia, irrespective of sector party. Although neither of these is the organisation of hold and clean-cut purpose that is so badly needed, I lie people have come forward in astounding numbers lo support them, and the meetings have been most enthusiastic. So AA-ith other bodies, some associated with churches, some with propaganda societies. The pity of it is that those spontaneous demonstrations of loyally and determination to protect the honour of Australia should he left in the air, as it were. The Government should lead—bnl Ihe atmosphere in which government is carried on in this country is so vitiated with the poison of party politics and petty intrigue that the great middle-class between the extreme Conservatives and extreme Socialists simply holds aloof and goes on its Avay. A sign of flic loyalist revolt is In he seen in the Labour Party itself. The Labour ballot, as to whether or not the party shall countenance further recruiting is bring vigorously objected to by some poAvorful unions. In fact, those avlio are opposed to it compose the majority of the Labour bodies which have so far expressed no opinion. Nino leading Labour members of the Federal Parliament havo also come boldly out in opposition to it. There are signs already that the extremists Avhoso scheme this is arc getting “cold feet” over it. 'the Sydney Labour Council has recommended (hat, as (ho ballot has been interfered Avith by (he Federal Government, the arrangements he discontinued. The “interference” consists of the issue of leaflets against the' ballot by the iu;av Directorate of War Propaganda!