WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 November 1918, Page 5

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

PEACE CELEBRATIONS MINISTERS' SPEECHES WELLINGTON, Nov. 13. "the most impressive feature of the peace celebrations yesterday was the great gathering outside the Town Hall at which the Prime Minister, The,Finance Minister, and the Minister of Defence addressed as many thousands of people as could be packed within range of their voices. The crowd was in high good humour with itself and with the world at /large, and though it cheered when it pleased and interjected as it liked, it gave each of the Ministers a most cordial reception and an appreciative hearing. It was a matter of common remark, however, that the warmest demonstrations of approi val were reserved for Sir James Allen, the Minister of Defence, who, during the early stages of the war, was easily the best abused member of the Ministry. Sir James imparted to his words touches of reverence, concern, and high resolve that appealed to the temper of the vast asembly and won him forgetfuluness for all his* past sins of omission and commission. THE CRIMINAL OF EUROPE

But the practical notes of the moment were striick by the party leaders. Mr Massey would not modify the terms of the armistice by as much as a hair's breadth. He would impose such a burden upon Germany by way of loss of territory, reparation, indemnity, and the rest thaF never again could she raise her head among the nations. He believed this was the view held Iby the great majority of the English people and their Allies at the present time, and-in any case it was -the view he would try ; to express to any councirt'd* which he "might "be called. The restoration of the German colonies was unthinkable. It would be' a mistake amounting to a crime and inviting trouble in the future.' Sir" Joseph "Ward, though-- A speaking with scarcely so much warmth as his chif had displayed, expressed practically the same views. The criminal qf --Europe must be subjected-to a long .term of reformative, treatment., before, v he could be trusted at large amongst -the nations. >j DUAL REPRESENTATION. ;

Though it is generally taken for granted thai Sit Joseph Ward 'Will accompany Mr Massey 'On his impending trip to London, members of-'-the" House are by no means unahimou! in .thinking this course 'necessary or desirable. Prominent members ■oh both' sides of polities have expressed the : opinion that either of the party leaders could satisfactorily represent t!he views of the dominion in' regard to the peace terms to the' Imperial authorities, and that the other might remain here to push on the post war work which is already crying aloud for attention. The difficulty standing in the way of this arrangement is, of course, the question of precedence between Sir Joseph Ward and Sir James Allen. If Mr Massey went away alone Sir Joseph in the natural order of things would become Acting Prime Minister. He certainly has shown himself loyal enough to the party truce to be trusted in this position. but apparently Mr Massey is disinclined to hand over the leadership to a former political opponent. In that case the simple solution of the problem would be to send Sir Joseph Ward Homt. THE RESIDENT MINISTER.

The authoritative statement that the offices of Resident Minister and High Commissioner in London arc to be combined and filled by one person has set the quidnuncs speculating afresh as to who will be appointed to thaT position. Sir Francis* Bell has been a popular tip since the idea of a Resident Minister was first mooted, and it is admitted on all hands ffiat by political experience and personal gifts he is admirably qualified for the distinction. But during recent years the office of the High Commissioner has tended more and more towards a great commercial agency and less and less towards a centre of political activity, and it is suggested in some quarters this has not increased the attractions it might have offered Sir Francis. It is certain that neither Mr Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward is looking towarus the position with an yfavour, but there is a growing feeling that Sir James Allen could be induced to exchange the strenuous life of the Defence Office, for the more placid almosphere #>il&P': London Embassy.