EMPIRE'S EMPTINESS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 306, 19 September 1908, Page 5

EMPIRE'S EMPTINESS.

HOW TO FILL IT. THE MOTHERLAND SHOULD HELP. (HI TISLEQIIAFH —FUESS ASSOCIATION—COPTIIIGBT.) (Roc. September 18, 10.35 p.m.) London, September 18. Mr. Tavorner, Agent-General for Victoria, speaking at Glasgow, said it was of littlo use in talking Imperialism unless the Imperial Government would co-operate in settling the Old Country's surplus population in the sparsely-settled oversea dominions. Ho suggested that tho Government's unemployment grant (£200,000 a year under the Unemployed Act) would be better utilised in assisting immigrants than by spending it on the present lines. He advised the Imperial authorities to treat the colonies with more confidence, as an integral part of tho Empire, theroby strengthening and consolidating it. "Tho Times" recently stated that the Empire can hold empty spaces for an oxclusive White Australia only if she will do her utmost to utilise them. Mr. Taverner's idea is that the Mother Country, which already provides tho fleet, should also provide somo of the cost of filling tho empty spaces. The £200,000 now available for relief of the workless is provided undor tho Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905.