13 AUGUST 1898, Page 25

Notes on Political Economy. By a New Zealand Colonist. (Macmillan

and Co.)—We are not concerned to discuss the questions which the " Colonist " treats in this volume. What he says about them has the special interest of being said from his own point of view. The subject of Protection, for instance, is dealt with in an intelligent way. The Colonist gives reasons, which, if not convincing, are worth consideration, why Protection is useful to a new community. Then there are some observations on the centrifugal tendency of all colonies, and there is a hint that Australia may follow in the way of the States. Probably the policy of federation may work in the other direction. An Austra- lian Dominion would be far less likely to divide itself from the Mother-country than a number of isolated States. One reason would be the increase of dignity, giving the feeling of alliance rather than dependence.