BEATING THE BIG DRUM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 221, 6 February 1913, Page 4

BEATING THE BIG DRUM.

If boating the ''big drum" will do it, the success of New Zealand's loan in London is assured. First, Sir Joseph Ward tells the people of the Old Land that as a place for the investment of superfluous cash there is no country like Mew Zealand, that her exports were never in a more healthy state, and that all but a few millions of her national debt has been wisely invested in remunerative undertakings. Then the London Times takes up the refrain, and gives this "lone, bright star of the southern constellation" a special word of eulogy. No sooner does the Thunderer trumpet this forth than the Hon. James Allen, the Finance Minister, appears upon the scene. The inevitable interview follows. New Zealand's affairs are again painted in roseate hues. At this moment the announcement is made that this patriotic little country's fa,mous gift battleship is ready for service, and a patriotic ceremony follows. Our High Commissioner, the estimable "Tarn," acts as drum-major, and tells the impressionable people of the Old Land all about how New Zealand led the way in battleship-giving. "New Zealand," lie exclaimed in tones that must have reverberated throughout Great Britain and the rest of the Empire, "was anxious that the Empire's navy should be equal to any challenge; she wanted Britain to feel that she was with her to the extent of her ability." Of course our loyalty is of a practical nature, as was clearly shown by Mr. Allen, who said if further assistance were required the Old Country could depend 011 New Zealand to do her share. II was not so long ago that we heard the same Mr. Allen denouncing Sir Joseph Ward for giving the warship. But then Mr. Allen was in New Zealand, moving in partisan political circles, and anxious to discomfort and disparage his political opponents. Now he is in England, moving in the Imperial limelight, and anxious to show what a great country New Zealand is. Circumstances, truly, alter cases. Besides, is not New Zealand in need of money, and a good deal of it? It will not be for deficient stage -muna g'"g if Mr. Allen fails in his , quest. The only thing we are afraid of is that some member of the financial coterie that have the loaning of the millions this voracious Dominion is' hungering for will turn up our Hansard —that is, if that precious publication ever reaches the Old Country—and read the lugubrations of the present Finance Minister when he was in Opposition. Then, according to the b<>ok of James Allen, this sorely afflicted country was staggering under its awful burden of debt, that the best thing which could happen to it would be for the London financiers to cease supplies, and other cheerful talk of a similar character. It will be difficult somewhat to reconcile his statements then with those uttered now, and grave inconvenience might ensue. For the sake of the country, which is in sore need of the money, we hope New Zealand Hansards are not treasured up in the archives of tlie London financiers. Otherwise the chickens will have come home to roost with a vengeance.