CHILDREN,AND THE EMPIRE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1316, 20 December 1911, Page 5

CHILDREN,AND THE EMPIRE.

_< _ ADDRESS BY LORD ISLINGTON(By Telesraph-Prcas Association.) Auckland, December 19. A large gathering of about 3000 children was held in the new Town Hall to-day, when the principal items in the proceedings wero addresses by his Excellency tho Governor and the Mayor of Auckland. His Excellency, who was received with thunderous applause by the young folks, said that yesterday he was present in that same hall to do honour to the New Zealand of the past; they were there to contemplate the NewZealand of the future, and in thehands of his hearers largely rested the future, not only of the city of Auckland but of the Dominion.. (Applause.) What was above all things required of.the rising generation were well-balanced minds and a patriotic spirit to promote to tho best of their ability what lay before them for the good of New Zealand. (Applause) , "New Zealand's strength and vitality," continued his Excellency, "are bound, up indissolubly and inseparably in their disposition as part and parcel of the British Empire, Let none of you be led away by tho fallacious ideas that New Zealand, in its onward march and progress, can continue that progress and security detached from tho family of tho British Empire. (Loud applause.) It is your connection Willi the British Empire as a free constitutional' country governed by your own laws and carrying out your own work i.n your own way, but still remaining in the family of tho British Empire, that will- guarantee your own strength, and progress as a people in the future. • (Loud applause.) Therefore one and all of you, young and old, keep Btrong within you the knowledge and conviction that the strength of the' British Empire means the security and progress of New Zealand. If you keep that inspiration deep within you, both in work and in play, you will be rendering your share of patriotic effort for the good w-.N.ov Zwilaml, and for the good of tho iritis!], Empire as loyal and devoted subjects or the King." (Loud and thunderous applause.)