7 APRIL 1950, Page 20

Race Relations in the Commonwealth

SIR,—The letter from Mr. F. R. Hayes, which appeared in the Spectator of March 31st, is such pernicious nonsense that it ought not to gb un- challenged. It is simply not true to say that "racial separateness is a cardinal principle of social life in all the great self-governing Dominions." There is no colour-bar applied against the Maoris in New Zealand, and Canadians with Red Indian blood are proud of the fact. The suggestion that the other Dominions would unite with South Africa against us on the question of racial differences is quite fantastic, and shows an ignorance of the Commonwealth which is positively insulting to both New Zealand

and Canada.-1 am, Sir, your obedient servant, JANE MEIKLEJOHN. 15 Ox Lane, Harpenden. Herts.