EMPIRE OVERSEAS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 162, 10 July 1911, Page 5

EMPIRE OVERSEAS.

LESSONS OF ITS HISTOBT. THE NAVY AND DEFENCE. „(Received 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 9. _Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Mrs. and Miss Rubi Seddon, and other Australians ™ d Zealanders were present at Birmingham University yesterday, when Sir Joseph Ward received the degree of Doctor of La,ws.

After an expression of gratitude Sir Joseph, on behalf of New Zealand, referred to Mr. Joseph Chamberlain's birthday expressing, good wishes, recognition of his Imperial work, and sympathy in his protracted illness. Subsequently he visited Mr. Chamberlain.

Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce banquet in Birmingham in the evening, Jo seph said it was better to teach children the history of each colony than that of Greece and Rome. The colonies ought to contribute per head to the British Navy, whfch wus the colonies' only preservation. Mr. McGowen (Premier of New South Wales), speaking at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce dinner, justified and explained the New South Wales social legislation. He emphasised the State's material prosperity and resources. Australia sought conditions making for the best physical and mental development and the highest industrial standard, and hence \vai3 determined to secure a strong sturdy race. He quoted preferential trade statistics justifying the conclusion that blood was thicker than water, ■and always told. " '. *