The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1921. REPRESENTATION ABROAD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 December 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1921. REPRESENTATION ABROAD.

The question of the representation of New Zealand in America, which was brought before the House on Friday by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. T. M. Witford), opens up a large subject, for if it is advisable for Dominion interests to be promoted in the United States, it is equally fitting that the principle be generally applied with respect to all other countries. The new status the Dominions have acquired since the wan, by becoming separate national entities entitled to recognition not only as units of the British Empire, but also as distinct nations, has altered the conditions which previously existed, under which the Mother Country spoke and acted for the whole Empire in matters of international bearing. When speaking recently at Winburg, General Smuts alluded to the success of his protest against South Africa attending the Washington Conference, “unless it went on its own legs”, with the result that the Dominions were attending that. Conference, not as Empire delegates, but as representing their respective Dominions, thus establishing their separate status. Obviously, if this principle is now definitely recognised, it would follow that they should have direct representation in all countries where it was possible y> be of service in forwarding their interests. There are several ways in which they could thrust their goods and the attractions of their countries on the notice of other nations. New Zealand has for so long neglected to come into the limelight that she is little more than a name, frequently losing her identity in that of Australia. Under existing conditions the Dominion is not justified in establishing an offical staff at the chief centres abroad, nor would such a plan be advisable. What is wanted is an expert propagandist on a roving commission, who could, not only bring to the fore the country’s products, but, by means of lectures and appropriate cinema films, reveal the attractions that visitors would find. This is an advertising age, and those who have the goods find that advertising on a bold and judicious system pays well. There is no reason why New Zealand should not celebrate her new status by making a great world-wide effort to become known as she ought to be known.