SPECTABILIA
THOSE who have given thought to the subject agree that the British Empire's method of handling external affairs leaves much to be desired. Hence all the recent talk concerning the lack of diplomatic unity in the Empire. Once 'again'New Zealand is giving a lead. Mr. Coates, the Prime Minister, has set up a Prime Minister's department with a special officer whose duty will be chiefly confined to Imperial and external affairs "arising in the course of the continual process of com- munication and consultation between the British Govern- ment and the Dominions." The work of a Dominion Prime Minister nowadays is so heavy.that it is impossible for him to keep in close enough touch with the affairs of the rest of the Empire without some such special help ; Mr. Coates is to be congratulated on his courageous experiment.
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