MISSION TO LONDON.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1916, Page 2

MISSION TO LONDON.

VISIT OF PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR FINANCE. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are coming from New Zealand in December to consult with the Imperial Government (said the London Times of November 12), Formerly rival party leaders, they are now colleagues in a' National Cabinet, and will come as representatives of all sections of opinion in the Dominion. The form in which the news of their coming reaches us leaves it doubtful whether they are :to be in London nt the same time as other Dominion representatives, or whether they will be here, as Sir Robert Borden was here, lo talk over the share of their Dominion in tlio war without any of the formalities of a conference. We hope, that the Colonial Office has found it possible to secure the presence of other Dominion Ministers at the same time. Such a meeting would have great advantages. The Times has often explained them, and need not do so again. Recent developments in Australia may have paved the- way for the presence of an authoritative representative of the Commonwealth at the same time as Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are here. The late Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Mr. Andrew Fisher, is to be the High Commissioner in London. It may well be that he will be able to take up his duties by the beginning of next year. In that ease the Australian Ministry may think it uneceßsary to send anyone else. There would be sound reasons for such a view. Mr. Fisher has been a vigorous and able Prime Minister, holding in his hands the 'thread of Australian affairs and thoroughly acquainted with all the problems that have been born of the war. He has been the champion of the idea that there'should be closer accord and more frequent consultation between the Imperial Governmont and the Ministries of the Dominions. If he can bo in London so soon, he would admirably represent the present Australian Cabinet, The case of South Africa is less simple. Public, opinion in this country would rightly set great store upon the presence of General Botha if anything in the nature of an Imperial Defence Conference is to be held. His resolution and his efficiency, no less than his striking loyalty to his Imperial obligations, have won him a great and deserved reputation for military and political insight. But it will not do to sec only one side in a matter of this kind. General Botha's political opponents are inspired by a virulent hatred that seizes on every pretext to foment distrust of him in the minds of Dutch South Africans. The idea that he can be under any sort of orders from the Imperial Government to come to London is so ridiculous tha'fc it would hardly occur to anyone in this country. We have reason to know, nevertheless, that the suggestion that he should come, made by the Times a week or so ago, has thus been distorted by the spleen of his defeated opponents. Personal and political rancour that will go to such lengths in misrepresentation must obviously be reckoned with by General Botha. He has given abundant proofs that it has no power to affect him personally. But as the guardian of the Imperial cause in South Africa lie may think it wise to refrain from any course that might give a handle to his opponents. The new South African Parliament, too, is to meet before the end of the year, and 'there are obvious disadvantages in the way of his being absent from its first Session. However, that may be, the coming of Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward is very much to the good. Their decision is :t tribute to Mr. Bonar Law's control of the Colonial Office. We may hazard a guess tha'r. the initiative has come from him. If so, he is much to be congratulated.