The Daily News. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1914. MR. FISHER'S MISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 172, 29 December 1914, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1914. MR. FISHER'S MISSION.

The announcement that Mr. Andrew Fisher, the Federal Premier, is visiting New Zealand with v a definite object in view, which concerns the two Dominions very closely, should not cause much surprise to those who closely follow the general policy of Australian politics. According to the cable message received on Saturday, Mr. Fisher is reported to have said, before leaving Sydney, that lie earnestly desired to see the two countries linked together in closer bonds of national sisterhood. One of the steps which he considers will assist in that direction is the inauguration of a reciprocal tariff, and the other is a comprehensive scheme of reciprocal relations, especially in regard to naval defence. It is significant that the Federal Premier expects to have little difficulty in persuading New' Zealand that the combined efforts of the two countries would provide the best means for defence in the Pacific, and would be of the greatest value imperially if New Zealand embarks 011 a vigorous policy of warship building. To the causual observer there is nothing alarming in Mr. Fisher's programme, which is presented at a time when both reciprocity and naval defence are particularly attractive questions in view of the exceptional conditions existing consequent upon the European war. Moreover, there is an undoubted glamor over the Australian* Xavy as the result of the destruction of the i>iratieal German cruiser, the Emden, by the Federal cruiser Sydney, and it cannot be forgotten that the Hon. Jas. Allen has, by his policy of a New Zealand navy, opened the way for negotiations on the lines favored by Mr. Fisher. It is, therefore, quite comprehensible that the head of the Commonwealth Government has come to the conclusion that he has struck the psychological moment for making proposals, or rather for renewing the persistent efforts of the past, to draw New Zealand into "closer bonds of nation sisterhood." It probably has not occurred to him that Mr. Allen, in the matter of the naval policy, only represents a section of the people of New Zealand. What, jit may be asked, is the real object of Mr. Fisher's mission? Is it undertaken with a view to benefit Australia, New Zealand and the Empire, individually and collectively? There are, it will be observed, three distinct propositions contained in Mr. Fisher's programme, and it remains to be seen whether or not there is really only one main issue, the others being introduced as a means to the end in view. What does the innocent, but alluring phrase in which Mr. Fisher expresses his earnest desire for "closer bonds of national sisterhood" really mean? For an answer to that query we must go back to the days of the federation of the Australian States, when great efforts were made to induce New Zealand to join the 'Commonwealth. Since then this greatly .desired union has never'been lost sight •of by Australian politicians, and at every available opportunity the proposal Ims been strenuously, though, as a rule, covertly pressed. From an Australian point of view no exception can be taken to this desire, the attainment of which would vastly increase the potentialities of an Australasian confederation, tltough it would reduce JiTew Zealand to a cypher—a mere appendage of the Commonwealth. Having scooped Tasmania itiio the Federal net it is quite intelligible that the desire to also embrace New Zealand is very strong, and to some extend logical, So far, however, while actuated by the most friendly and sisterly sentiments towards the Commonwealth, I7ew Zealand has wisely determined to paddle her own canoe and Jilts done so with much eclat and succcS: continue to exist as a separate s lu should be beyond all question. "W ''3 PPPtcnded that entering into recipro".' ,a ' incuts, or even joining in a naval policy would not necessarily in-' volve entrance into the Federation, but much more.' than that is implied in '•'closer bonds of national sisterhood." It is not in reciprocity that any danger lies, for that is greatly to be desired, not only with Australia, but with eve" unit of the Empire. We c"-'* -■> 1 ciprocity with :i" --mil have re. I not nat'- -1 foreign noun*--. , , -wiial m, , ir miir i, n 11 • • -W lO danger, if it may H o cuH- . . , « , °/ . allowing the . 18 to be fouml 1,1 to be i»- ' ' K>lnt 11 P ow( ' r f u l wedge -.iscrtcd, leaving the driving home

/ time and opportunity. In the Homeland there lire numbers of commons, and around these waste lands settlers have gradually encroached and absorbed the land ii| (he people. It was so easy to put up a sod wall and gradually extend it outwards from time to time, unnoticed, until each squatter had filched a fair sized area, and eventually held it by adverse possession. The process, which is simple and effective, serves to illustrate how the principles of absorption creeps on, and the necessity for guarding against the danger. By all means let there be every possible co-operation and mutual aid as between the various dominions, but New Zealand has attained such an assured position that she cannot afford to run any risks. If Mr. Fisher confines his operations to extending interchange of products 011 the most favorable basis, and the creation of a thoroughly mutual trade alliance, he will be doing good work, but any attempt to draw the dominion into a local naval

scheme or towards federation should be promptly turned down. The one great outstanding lesson of the present war so fur as the dominions are concerned is the absolute necessity for so strengthening the Imperial navy as to permit of the i requisite ships being available for the ' protection of commerce and transports. Toasibly Australia is large enough to have a local navy, but the principle of unity being strength has never been more strikingly illustrated than at this juncture. There are many matters on which Mr Fisher can receive enlightenment, and his visit will be all the moru welcome if he approaches the object of liis mission with a perfectly open mind, and from a New Zealand as well as from an Australian point of view. Sentiment is all very well in its way, but it is the dictates of the intellect and not those of the heart that are the backbone of statesmanship. A RAKE OPPORTUNITY. General satisfaction will be felt at the intimation of the decision of Mr. Statham to resign the Dunedin Central seat, and contest it again. To hold the Beat because of the carelessness or incompetence of a returning-ollicer is repugnant. Mr. Statham proved one of i the ablest men in last Parliament, and his action in this matter stamps him as also one of the best "sports." The contest between liini and Mr. Munro should prove very interesting, as upon its outcome will depend the existence of the Government. If Mr. Munro succeeds, the Government must call Parliament together and measure its strength, with every prospect of defeat. Sir Joseph Ward would be very little better oil', and really would bo well advised not to attempt to carry on the government of the country with an unstable party behind himj If our Parliamentarians ■were sensible men, if they possessed lenders of tact and wisdom, they would, seeing how even the parties stand, decide upon some sort of coalition for the remainder of the war, or, better still, agree to the present Government continuing to administer tho affairs of tho country whilst the European crisis lasts, but refraining from dealing with contentious legislation. It would not be the first time New Zealand has had a coalition Government, for about thirty years ago Sir Robert Stout and Sir Julius Vogel became joint leaders of the Government, and co-operated. This point is certain, the public do not desire another election, and would much prefer that the leaders composed their differences —which, after all, aro more apparent than real—sufficiently to allow of the administration of the country's affairs until the clouds of war roll by. It is a rare opportunity for those leaders to show that on an occasion like this they can be inspired by the virtuo of patriotism and disinterested love of country as opposed to the love of personal power and party triumph, triumph. LAND VALUE PROBLEMS.