passed without sighting land. In sum, New Zealand is one of the loveliest civilized lands of the globe. Already this affects the temper and policy of her colonists, and it must continue to do so. As evidence, we may analyze their attitude at the three points where alone at present they come into political contact with the outside world. I mean their attitude, first, towards the Australian Federation; second, towards the expansion in the South Seas; third, towards the Mother Country and what is termed Imperialism.
Under the first of these three heads it is now understood that they have tacitly but definitely decided to stand aloof from the Commonwealth. This generation cannot bind its children, but this generation, at any rate, is quite unlikely to change its mind. The Australian had one—and only one—temptation to hold out: that—which was, indeed, a considerable inducement—was admission within the ring-fence of the Federal Customs tariff. So soon as it was plain that New Zealand was likely to stay outside, the Australians proceeded to aim specific duties at their neighbours' chief exports. But the neighbours, though no more indifferent than other people to bread-and-butter considerations, did not flinch. They are islanders, and, like all islanders, they have an especial objection to interference by outsiders in their own affairs, an absorption in these, an entire indifference to the internal politics of other countries, and an excellent conceit of themselves. Nine-tenths of them know almost as little about ordinary Australian politics as do Englishmen. They have no animosity towards, or jealousy of, the big Island-Continent. But their interest, their pride, their hopes, are centred in their own islands. Within their boundaries there is ample scope and verge enough for the statesmanship and industry of the New Zealanders of to-day. Australia's future may be greater—so be it! New Zealand's, at any rate, will be bright and great enough for them, so they think. Were you to ask one of them 'how wide the limits stand between a splendid
