A VISION OF EMPIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 149, 24 June 1918, Page 5

A VISION OF EMPIRE.

I CHANGING THE OLD ORDER. MARCH TO A GREAT DESTINY. '(■Received 8.33 a.m.)

LON'DOX, -J tine 23. Mr. Iliighes, speaking at a Parliamentary Association supper, said: — "Looking back on the past four years we are proud to think that the Empire. despite the dread trials of to-day. is more (irmly united on the vital issues of the war than ever. The greatest battle of all the ages is now being waged, and on its issue hangs the fate of the .Empire and the world. The next few weeks may decide whether we shall be bondmen or free, whether liberty and justice shall prevail, or shall be crushed beneath the juggernaut of military despotism. AYe are all weary and worn with the war, yet the Empire stands firm and united, resolved to conquer, assured of victory, resolved to have peace enduringly based on justice and liberty. When the tocsin sounded the children of the dominions took a great step which confounded the enemy's calculations, inspired every Britisher's soul, and even now constitutes one of the outstanding features of the war. When the Empire was in danger her free sons in the scattered dominions sprang to arms for the Empire's defence. Uefore that Empire to them was an empty word, something vague and almost lifeless.

"Out men who have gone forth to fight for the Umpire will demand a voice in the councils of Empire. The old order must change. I see to-night, perhaps dimly, the first signs of a new order, making us a veritable commonwealth of nations, marching together to a greater destiny, and linked with other free nations to ensure peace, justice, and the liberty of the world lor ever. The Empire and its allies are undismayed and resolute before military despotism's mighty legions. They do not underestimate Germany's power, hut await the onslaught with perfect confidence. The moral of our armies was never better. We must face facts, and not live in a paradise of fools, but neither must we permit any weakening of our will to conquer. If we stand firm victory is ours. Let those babbling of peace be silent, also those doing Germany's work ■by. trying to sap the nation's courage. There may be much suffering and sacrifice ahead, but if we face the future with confidence and determination then lasting victory will be ours."(A. and N.Z.)