WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1918, Page 2

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

PEACE CELEBBRATIONS MINISTERS' SPEECHES I (Special Correspondent.)' Wellington, Nov. 13 Tlie most impressive feature of the peace celebrations yesterday was the great gathering outside the Town Hall at which the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Defence addressed as many thousands of people as could bo packed within the range of their voices. The crowd was in high good temper with itself and witihi the world at large, and though it cheered when it pleased and interjected as it liked, it gave each of the Ministers a most cordial reception and an appreciative hearing. It was a matter of common remark, however, that tib© warmest demonstrations of approval were reserved for Sir Jainea Allen, the Minister of Defence, who during the early stages of the war was easily the best abused ,member of the Ministry. Sir James imparted to his words touches of references, concern and high resolve that appealed to the temper of the vast assembly and won him forgetfulness for all his past sins of commission and omission. THE CRIMINAL OF EUROPE But tho practical notes of the moment were struck by the party leaders. Mr. Massey would not modify the terms of the armistice by as much as a hair'sbreadth. He would impose such a burden upon Germany by way of loss of territory, reparation, indemnity and the rest that never again could eihe raise her head among the nations. He believed this was the view held by the great majority of the British people and their Allies at the present time, and in any case it was the view he would try to express to any council to wihich he might be called. The restoration of tho German colonies was unthinkable. It would be a mistake amounting to a crime and inviting trouble in the future. Sir Joseph Ward, though speaking with scarcely so much warmth as his chief had displayed, expressed practically the same views. Tho criminal of .Europe must be subjected to a long term of reformative treatment before he could he treated at large among the nations. DUAL REPRESENTATION. Though it is generally taken for granted, that Sir Joseph Ward will accompany Mr Massey on his impending trip to London, members of the House are by no means unanimous in thinking this course necessary or desirable. Prominent members on both sides of politics (have expressed the opinion that either of the party leaders could satisfactorily represent the views of the Dominion in regard to the peace terms to the Imperial authorities, and that the other might remain here to push on the post-war work which already is crying aloud for attention. The difficulty standing in the way of this arrangement is, of course, the question of precedence between Sir Joseph Ward and Sir James Allen. If Mr Massey went away alone Sir Joseph in the natural order of tWngs would become Acting-Prime Minister. He certainly has 6hown himself loyal enough to the party truce to be trusted in this position, but apparently Mr Massey is disinclined to hand over the leadership to a former political opponent. In that case the simple solution of tike problem would appear to be to send Sir Joseph Home. THE RESIDENT MINISTER. The authoritative statement that the offices of Resident Minister and High Commissioner in London are to be combined and filled by one person has set the quidnuncs speculating afresh as to who will be appointed to the position. Sir Francis Bell has been a popular tip since the idea of a resident Minister was first mooted, and it is admitted on all hands that by political experience and personal -gifts he is admirably qualified for the distinction. But during recent years the office of the High Commissioner has tended more and more towards a great commercial agency and less and less towards a centre of political activity, and it is suggested that in some quarters ithis has not increased the attractions it might have afforded Sir

Francis. It is certain that neither Mr Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward is looking towards the position with any fervour, but there is a growing feeliag that Sir James Allen'could he induced to exchange tote strenuous life of the Defence Office for the more placid atmosphere of tlie London Embassy. i