THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17985, 31 January 1924, Page 5

THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

MR MASSEY'S BELIEF. Is it the destiny of the British Empire to fall into decay, as was the case with the ancient empires of Greece and Home? Mr Massey is emphatic that it is not.

Speaking at the civic reception accorded him at the Wellington Town Hall on Monday, he said:—"The principal. object of the Imperial Conferences is to maintain the unity of the Empire. I>ominion Prime Ministers cross thousands of miles, and meet men who are imbued with the same ideal and purpose. Wo are the trustees of the Empire—men whose duty it is to hold it for those who come after us, and pass it on, brightt? and better than it is to-day. That is saying a good deal. People often disparage the British Empire, when they say, in comparing it with empires that have passed away, that it has passed its zenith. '■Sometimes I feel a bit pessimistic," continued Mr Massey, "when I look around at what has happened in recent years, and contemplate the possibilities of tho future. I believe that Providence will keep the British Empire together. At all events, so far as its usefulness is concerned, it has don© more for humanity, civilisation, and Christianity than any other Empire the world has ever seen." (Applause.) "I have heard it said that Canada is 'cutting the painter,' " said Mr Massev, at a later stace of his address. "I addressed many big meetings in Canada, and the audiences there were iust a.i loyal as New Zealand, and that is saying a good deal." (Hear, hear.)