Part 54 (1/2)

Now, supposing such a body had been formed, ould their policy be?

The first on the list would be the appointment of their leaders by ballot, this over, the more important step would be taken on true democratic lines to secure their permanency; consequently the first iteainst social distinctions in the shape of knighthoods eht seeued that men of their opinions would not be the ones to have the refusal of such distinctions, and yet it would be so, for one has only to look at every-day life in Australia and to watch what is going on, to be convinced of the ihthoods and social distinctions may well be looked on as a curse in Australia, and it's only the Crown's advisers that really knohat a tru an abundant supply always on hand ready to be distributed at the slightest notice Should it enter the minds of any reader that this casts a reflection on the holders of such distinctions let it be instantly dis titles, to who person will adhest distinction the Crown could bestow on them, for they have helped to build up the Empire and make it what it now is, and are men whose consciences would allow the the same they only did their duty; but it's not of this class that anything need be said, it is those who are daily practising hypocrisy and appearing as philanthropists by bestowing reeable to sell their opinions with the hope of securing the coveted honours Take away the titles granted to politicians, and very feill reed the cheapest way to becohted, the competition has beco Republican opinions, are offered and accept a title, thereby selling theed to be as fir as the coveted curse is dangled in front of their nose Intrigues and conspiracies are carried on between themselves, and the whole political career of many an honest man has been blasted by his ambition to have a handle to his name

There is another class who try to work the oracle through the Governors, but that has not proved a success

Then co his title into penal servitude lately, and another of wholand and settled down as an English nobleed in the ht be able to live as a gentleland; he has been successful and is now related to titled faland abounds, for ever on the alert to hters That this class of people should be titled is what disgusts the Young Australians, especially when they have so ood citizens, men who have introduced capital, started industries and manufactories and have assisted to build up the commercial trade with the world; these are passed over and not noticed, for the simple reason that their names do not appear in print twice a day, but they are true ht none the less of Much as the many worthy recipients are admired, there is yet a class that are held to be far superior, and they are those who, on being pressed to accept the honours, refused, preferring to keep their opinions unfettered; they are theAustralians adht be suggested by some weak and injudicious member of about the calibre of that novelist who made use of the same expression in his report of his reception in the Colonies This, however, would be negatived immediately, as it would be entirely in opposition to what their policy would be

The next question, undoubtedly, would be the appointlish Governors would be brought forward and received with such enthusiasnised as a point of vital i at the definition of a Governor it is seen that his position is an anothen the link that connects the Colony to Great Britain, This definition as before eneral point of view, but never fronise that these gentlemen of pleasure cost the Colonies 39,500 a year in salaries, and another 20,000 , roughly speaking 60,000 a year, or nearly sufficient to pay the interest on a three per cent loan of two ued in the first place that the sixty thousand was simply throay, and in the second that the tiure-heads

The English Governor is sent out to strengthen the existing bond, or in other words to preach loyalty ”God save the Queen” is his text, his motto and his password If he attends a public function, ”God save the Queen” is conspicuous on the walls; if he replies to a toast he will make frequent reference to the estimable qualities of Her Majesty If he walks or drives down the street, the street bands and barrel-organs play ”God save the Queen”; if he attends or pro is done until his arrival, even if it be an hour late, then everybody in the house is expected to rise, and take off their hats, when the orchestra greets him with ”God save the Queen” If he attends a dinner, ”God save the Queen” is inscribed on the menu between each of the courses, and is supposed to be partaken of; if he visits a school the children will have been practising for months, at home, in the street, in school and everywhere, ”God save the Queen”; if he attends a football match or any athletic sports, he is the centre of attraction, all in the grand stands rise while the band plays ”God save the Queen” These are a few instances that have beco or tune has just about the sa Australians as a worn-out, threadbare ht audience; and yet there are plenty of people to be found ill acknowledge that it's the prettiest tune they ever heard, and with a ”God bless the dear old lady,” they are arguing the next instant with the, another thousand or two judiciously expended will do it To keep the tune of ”God save the Queen” fresh in the Australian's ears costs sixty thousand a year

One of the greatest surprises an Australian has on his arrival in England is the comparative lack, of loyal display There, the Queen's birthday is taken no more notice of than if it were a commoner's, the Prince of Wales's less, even the papers ht mention of the fact Britons dearly love their ruler and are always ready to obey when called on, but, they do not make any attempt to impress it upon every one that visits their shores, and by so doing command respect As for Earls and Lords they are spoken of as my milkman, Lord So-and-So, or my fruiterer or butcher, the Earl of So-and-So, or my dress mixed up in trade

To return to the loyal subjects of Australia, what does loyalty mean?

Ask for a truthful statement and nine out of ten will reply, ”self-interest” This is why Young Australians object, for, taken as a whole they do not trouble about Society and its ways; they are open, candid and, above all, they despise hypocrisy So, instead of the Governor strengthening the existing bond, he is weakening it, looking at it froretted by the Young Australians, for, although they will always be ready and willing to show their highest respect and admiration for both Her Majesty and her dothen the bond, yet they will not recognise figure-heads when they have overn the Colony at a third of the expense Young Australians are loyal, although theytheir loyalty

Supposing the English Governors were to be withdrawn, itlink be which would still bind the Colonies to Great Britain That ht be answered in a very practical way If Great Britain wishes to be represented in the Colonies, let her send out men of co theht royally; that would have the desired effect But why should it be necessary for Great Britain to be represented at all, for there is not the slightest fear of Australia attes, but, on the other hand, it would be so beneficial to the Colonies and all concerned, that the act would be so appreciated as to eht be improved upon and continued, and est themselves to the interests of both parties

There can be no doubt that at its first intimation the candidature for a Local Governorshi+p would bring forth many aspirants for the honour, but, fortunately for Australia, every Colony has men who stand head and shoulders above their fellows, that when a minute examination of the necessary qualifications was held there would be no difficulty in selecting the proper man for the position