The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1911. CORONATION HONORS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 333, 21 June 1911, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1911. CORONATION HONORS.

Several New Zealand notables, distinguished for their services to this country, have received titular distinction at the hands of their Sovereign, the only means the Mother Country has of honoring those who have given great services to the people. Democracies frequently affect to regard such evidences of a Sovereign's approval as contrary to their ideals of a perfect State, but it is in ultra democracies that titular honors are most eagerly sought and most appreciated by the people. The public man earns little except the applause of lu's fellows, and, if he is a normal man, the applause of his fellows brings out the best that is in him. The refusal of an honor by a public man is a rebuff to the people who made him public. The gift of titular distinction to an Empire's workers can be defended on any ground," except, perhaps, in the case of hereditary titles. One docs not, for instance, hear much of the present day Lord Nelson or the momentary Duke of Wellington, and it is perhaps a little quaint that succeeding generations should be exalted for the deeds of their fa there, Many institutions grant distinctions for ability, but a boy does not become an M.A. or an LL.D. by the deatli of his lather. Most of the New Zealanders included in the Coronation list of honors are worthy of the recognition of the Sovereign for work done. Sir Joseph Ward (Bart.) is the first baronet created in New Zealand, although there are several baronets holding the hereditary title. It was fitting that the services of Mr. Guinness, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, should be acknowledged, for he lias dignified his high position by his skill and impartiality. Sir James Carrol is the first New Zealander of Maori distinction to receive knighthood, and the distinction has probably been ronferred not only as a recognition of the Native Minister's gifts but as a compliment to the King's Mnori people. The meteoric political career of Sir- James 0. Findlay has been marked by air unassauged appetite for work. His work in regard to prison reform, and his leadership of an Upper Chamber that was not bo much hoard of before his advent, are presumably responsible for a further honor to the K.O. It is probable that none of the recipients of Coronation honors deserve them more than Sir Joshua Williams, whoso remarkable scholastic gifts, his eminent services as a judge, and splendid public career, have been admired by all New Zealander.;. The public servants who have received the Cross of St. Michael and St. fleorge are honored for their devotion to their duties, and it is especially gratifying to Taranaki that one of its "boys." Col. R. J. Collins, V.D., 1.5.0., should have been selected for a further distinction. The Mother Country has during the past two Skades t.lren a broader view jn distin-

British titular honors are held by prominent natives of India, us well as by our ex-enemies in South Africa, our fellow colonists in Canada, Australia and elsewhere. In fact, Imperial honors have a use in emphasising kinships and in spreading the spirit of Imperialism. The honors conferred on our public men honor those who made them public.