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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 154, 5 August 1914, Page 6

The immanence of British intervention in the European embroilment has roused the tremendous patriotism latent in every New Zealander, and patriotic, demonstrations have been made already in this city and in Wellington. All the evidence goes to show that the tide is rising fast. The old-time enthusiasm for Imperial Britain manifested so emphatically during the last South African war is in process of revival now that England is on the verge of what should prove her most stupendous, her most critical struggle for supremacy. Last evening the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward were serenaded by a large crowd, who demanded speeches from the two leaders. Both speakers indicated by their remarks that they,

too, have been imbued -with the popular emotion that is sweeping through the Dominion. Though Mr Massey explained in the House yesterday that the Imperial authorities did not require the proffered expeditionary force at present, numerous applications for service continue to come in. Such demonstrations as are now proceeding in the oversea dependencies must afford great satisfaction, to the Home Government, while at the same time they convey a gentle hint to the German aggressor that one result ; of the breaking of peace has been the 'spontaneous welding of the units of 'Empire. Minor poets may poke fun at the silken bonds of Imperialism, political renegades who enjoy a comfortable living under the Flag may, metaphorically speaking, rend that flag in dark corners, but England is still England when she takes the field in a good cause against an enemy. Sour-faced individuals are liable to murmur o'f Jingoism, but so many of these disgruntled fellows are unable' to distinguish where patriotism ends and Jingoism begins. V