29 OCTOBER 1927, Page 1

News of the Week

THE settlement at the eleventh hour of the South African Flag controversy is a relief to the whole Empire. The Union of South Africa is to be heartily con- gratulated on exhibiting that good sense which we have felt all through the controversy must be lying somewhere not far below the surface. It would have been dis- creditable to the Union if the parties had allowed them- selves to be finally divided by a wholly unnecessary dispute ; but it -is equally true thit the manner 'of the settlement brings credit to everybody. Both sides have made concessions. There is no dramatic victory for either, and therefore nobody is left with a grievance except possibly a few irreeoncilables" whose voices have not yet been heard. A particular word must be said in praise of Mr. Tielman Rods, whOse peaCeful advances in a speech a fortnight ago opened the way to the informal discussions between General Hertzog and General Smuts.