EMPIRE DINNER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 122, 25 May 1935, Page 6

EMPIRE DINNER.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL ATTENDS

NEW ZEALAND'S "RACIAL BACKBONE."

Flags of every Dominion and colony were used in decorating the banquet hall of Hotel Cargen, where the GovernorGeneral, Lord Galway, Lady Galway and 150 guests attended an Empire Day dinner arranged by the Royal Empire Society in conjunction with the central committee of the patriotic societies of Auckland. Profeeeor F. P. Worley, chairman of the council of the Royal Empire Society, presided, and read messagee from Lord Jellicoe and from the headquarters of the Royal Empire Society. In proposing the toast, "New Zealand and the Empire," Mr. C. M. Croft, Canadian Trade Commissioner, referred to the early pioneers as the racial backbone of New Zealand. The population of the Dominion was almost 100 percent British. '

Sir Alexander Young, Minister of Health, in the course of his reply, referred to the great development of the Empire during the 25 years' reign of King. Goorge. Less than a century ago New Zealand was practically uninhabited by civilised people. It now had a population of one and a half millions and potentialities for a much larger population" were great. He also made reference, to the pioneers. Mr. Gainor Jackson, president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, proposed "The Empire Patriotic Societies," Mr. IF. J. Wernham, chairman of the central committee of the patriotic societies of Auckland, responding. The Hon. J. Alexander, M.L.C., president of the Navy League and Overseae League, gave "The Services," responses being made by Commodore the Hon. E. It. Druniniond, officer commanding the New Zealand Division of the Koyal Navy, and Colonel J. E. Duigan, officer commanding the Northern Command. Miss J. A. Mowbray, 0.8. E., president of the Victoria League, attended. During the evening songs were given by Mr. G. and humorous stories by Professor" Maxwell Walker caused much laughter. Mr. Alan Pow presided at the piano.