NEW NATIONS IN WORLD

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29190, 28 April 1960, Page 12

NEW NATIONS IN WORLD

Common wealth’s Task

During the next year or two the British Commonwealth would face an exacting period in its task of creating nations throughout the world, said Lord Kilmuir, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain in Christchurch last evening at one of his last official functions before returning home after a 10-day visit to New Zealand. He was speaking at a mayoral reception to himself and Lady Kilmuir.

“We have the problem of creating in Africa multi-racial communities because without the drive, capital resources and knowhow on the one hand and native traditions on the other civilistion might go back,” Lord Kilmuir said. “We feel that if we can, and I am sure we shall, make a further success in this particular problem we shall have continued the greatest example of trusteeship, training and civilisation and the creation of nations the world has seen.”

The second half of the twentieth century showed perhaps the greatest challenge the world had ever known. “We have to try with every minute of our lives to get a greater understanding and feeling with the peoples of the world wherever they might be,” he said.

“We go back more inspired to work for the solution of the problems from visiting your great country. Your achievement is not only of pride to yourselves but an example and an inspiration to those who henceforward will count it their greatest boas* to be your friends.” Lord Kilmuir said New Zealand exerted an influence abroad far out of proportion to its size and population, and he mentioned in particular the influence of Sil Leslie Munro in the United Nations and the Dominion’s adherence to Pacific organisations for mutual defence. Lord and Lady Kilmuir will leave Christchurch by air for Auckland this morning, and will leave there this afternoon for Britain via the United States.