NEW NATIONS GANG UP ON THE OLD

Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 5, 21 January 1971, Page 4

NEW NATIONS GANG

UP ON THE OLD

On aii historic occasion a great statesman declaimecl: ". . . And if our Empire and Coramonwealth shall last a thousand years, people will still say . . Of course, that was only 30 years ago, and the Empire already is long * gone. And every tilme there is a Prime Ministers' Conference it is always preceded by predictions that it will be the last. Our Prime Minister, Sir Keith Holyoake, is a Commonwealth man — but even he has remarked the oddness in balance today, the ganging up of the new nations against the old, the lining up

of coloured against white, of African against non-African. And what a thrill of power it gives, to be sure, to twist the Old Lion's tail! Jp it, Prestige Involved And yet no senior diplomat approached in Wellington recently would forecast that the Commonwealth would change in any way as a result of the Arms-to-South-Africa deal, the Rhodesian situation, or any other crisis likely to be emphasised in Singapore during the conference. "There's nothing in leaving the Commonwealth these

days," commented one senior diplomat. "There's nothing much in staying, either — but it leaves one more room to manoeuvre." When it was suggested that there might be more exclusive clubs, like the European Common Market, he replied: "But not everyone really wants to join that either, do they?" * sje * * Smaller Umbrella The faets of Britain's withdrawal are being borne in upon Australia and New Zealand every time these countries attempt some forward planning about their forces in South-East Asia. The reason is that Britain has always provided the nonfighting services (supply, maintenance, education) to back Commonwealth troops. Australian and New Zealand contributions were restricted to fighting troops. In Singapore, Britain first decided to withdraw all troops, and then to leave a battalion — but the huge body

of non-fightinng services has k already moved out. I "This would have been " easier and cheaper if we had stayed in Terendak," a senior officer said the other day. "After all, with battalions from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, what we have is what we started with — a Commonwealth Brigade." * * ❖ * The Murder Rate Concern expressed by citizens about the apparently high 'rate of unsolved murders in New Zealand is not reflected by police officials. There are only two unsolved murders — the Jennifer Beard case and the killing of Olive Walker — and in each case there are complicating factors. The general New Zealand picture on homicide, however, is remarkably steady. All murders between 1964 and 1969 have been cleared up. The yearly total has been: 1964, 13; 1965, 17; 1966, 25; 1967, 14; 1968, 11; 1969, 18; 1970, 19. Although there seems to have been a marked increase in crimes of violence, the upward trend is not nearly as sharp as in other countries. * ❖ * * The Hand-Gun Moves in the United States to outlaw the pistol would reduce violence in that country — if they succeed. This is the view of a New Zealand police authority, who told me the reason was simply a psychological one. "Give a man permission to carry a gun, and you really give him permission to use it," he said. "In America the policeman with gun on hip is always under challenge." The New Zealand policeman does not carry a firearm, under the Police Force Act of 1886. Detectives have that right, under several restrictions — but the Police Commissioner, Mr W. H. A'. Sharp, says no more than half-a-dozen detectives in any one time would be carry - ing weapons. The Armed Offenders

Squad has operated satisfactorily for seven years — but the authority is still with the Commissioner. * * * * Expanding Pensions Our embattled Minister of Finance, Mr Muldoon, is now grappling with what to many is the biggest problem of all — how to relate retirement allowances to the rising cost of living. Elderly people who retired say 20 years ago find that, allowances which were adequate then are now hopelessly small. This was adjusted for State employees last year. Local body employees will have a similar guarantee against inflation as from April 1. The scheme will operate through the National Provident Fund Board, and there will be a balance of ex gratia payments. The equally-vital matter of what can be done for em» ployees in private enterprise is being closely investigated —and some very big changes in the whole fabric of retirement insurance are likel'y this year. ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ Wool and Standards The tense and slightly riotous system of selling our wool is another thing that could be adjusted this year. Three years ago a wool marketing study group recommended the setting of standards and sale according to samples. Last year the Wool Board set up a standards committee, which has done a lot of work since. This week in Christchurch buyers will see 80 lots measured for fineness, yield and staple length, and will be able to study the wools concerned. You can buy the wools that way if you want to. Of course, the system will not work properly until buyers are prepared to accept the sample as f air for the whole consignment. Of course — this is what international diplomacy and politicking is all about! > . — N.Z.C.N.A. News Service.