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The Abuse of the Press
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predecessor on the strength of a written agreement permitting him to contribute to the press. Not long ago, writing as correspondent to an American newspaper, Mr. Grey made some criticism regarding the origin of the war and the Jingo feeling of New Zealand. When the paper was brought to the attention of the Premier, the latter asked Mr. Grey to explain his conduct. Mr. Grey pointed out that his action was justified by the terms of his agreement, but the Government appointed a Committee of conspicuously 'loyal' members, which recommended the dismissal of Mr. Grey. This recommendation was adopted, and Mr. Grey has lost his post.

The method of manufacturing loyal support in our colonies for the war, or for any rash exploit a British Government might choose to institute, is particularly simple. The authoritative information set before the New Zealand public, before and during the war – almost the only information which was allowed to penetrate their minds – came in the following manner. The Colonial Office in London cabled to Mr. Seddon, the New Zealand premier, whatever facts or opinions Mr. Chamberlain wished to impose upon the colonial mind, and Mr. Seddon communicated the matter thus obtained to all

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