THE COLONIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1921, Page 5

THE COLONIES.

THE NEW SECRETARY. -*. r fRESS WELCOMES MR. CHURCHILL. A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT. > - '&?■ By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. -19, 8.30 p.m. London, Jan. 19. The Daily Express states that it is not part of the present Government’© policy to separate the Dominions frqpi the Colonial Office, though the matter has been discussed, and at some future time the Dominions may be transferred to the Privy CounciL The Daily Telegraph pays a tribute to the energy, originality, and instinct of statesmanship of Mr. Winston Churchill (who, it is reported, will be the new Secretary of the Colonies) though he has made mistakes. He is unlikely to adopt the old-fashioned attitude of aloofness, and he can be ex*pected to follow in the footsteps of the date Mr. Joseph Chamberlain. The paper adds that the Dominions are disposed only to deal with the Prime Minister, but there will still be sufficient duties for a Colonial Minister. The Daily Chronicle states Mr. Churchill’s imagination, enthusiasm, and energy will find scope in the Colonies, and the mandated territories, which peed development. The post also affords Mr. Churchill an opportunity to display his interest in aviation, as a fresh basis of communication. The newspaper assumes that the Dominions will be removed from the ken of the Colonial Office. The Morning Post, contrawise, comments on the appointment as if the Dominions will be included in Mr. Churchill’s department, and says he has a unique opportunity, in view of the fully established place of the Dominions as partners with Britain. The newspaper is not enthusiastic, and deplores Mr Churchill’s “painful habit of inventing foolish sayings,” but admits his ability, energy, and courage.—Aus.N.Z- Cable Assn.

It was reported in yesterday morning’s cables that Mr. Winston Churchill, now Secretary for War, has been appointed Secretary to the Colonies, in succession to Lord Milner, but no official announcement was made. The above cables leave no room for doubting Mr. Churchill’s acceptance of the appointment, and an official statement may be expected at any time.