A STICKLER FOR PROPRIETY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2510, 25 May 1909, Page 6

A STICKLER FOR PROPRIETY

The momentous question of the hour remains undecided. A great conference on Imperial naval defence is to he held in London in July, and the British Government is anxious that New Zealand’s Prime Minister shall attend. What does Sir Joseph say? He could not possibly dream of going “without first consulting Parliament, and obtaining its authority.” You may not believe it, but there it is in cold print in the newspapers. Six weeks ago Sir Joseph “with his eyes wide open, recognising what was his personal position” boldly stepped out and sacrificed the purses of his countrymen on the altar of Imperialism. There was no talk then of waiting for the authority of Parliament. The handing over of some millions of other people’s money is apparently a mere trifle to Sir Joseph Ward compared with the risk of his position by' an ill-timed absence. It is ah interesting dilemma. To visit London now would be to stand in the full glare of the limelight as the saviour of tho Empire. Unhappily, to visit London would also be to leave behind a Parliament that is likely to be unruly. Mr. T. E. Taylor and a number of other members are reported to be spoiling for a fight, and there is a large Government following looking for its usual plunder, and getting next to nothing but retrenchment. If Sir Joseph remains he misses the time of his life in London. If lie goes he is more than likelv to find his mediocre Cabinet has muddled itself out of existence before he can get back. With his usual circumspection he remains to get the strength of the House before making rash decisions. It looks as though it will need all the Ward adroitness to push things along this next session, and we strongly suspect that after Sir Joseph has “consulted” Parliament he Avill remain, though not perhaps without a pang or two.—“ The Citizen.”