The Dominion. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1914. THE DOMINIONS AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2217, 1 August 1914, Page 4

The Dominion. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1914. THE DOMINIONS AND THE WAR

It would be difficult to find words to describe the position in Europe more impressively than those used in the Hoiise of Commons by Mr. Asquith. "The issues of peace and war," he said, "are hanging in tho balance, with _ the risk of a catastrophe of which'it is impossible to measure tho dimensions." When a British Prime Minister, speaking with tho fullest sense of responsibility, declares that Europe is passing through a time of gravity almost unparalleled in the experience of everyone, it is no wonder that the whole Empire is awaiting further developments with the lntcnsest interest. Eycry British community in. the world will loyally respond, to Mn. Asquith's suggestion that all party and sectional: considerations should for the present be thrust into the background, so that Britain may bo ablo to present a united front, and to speak ,with the authority of an undivided nation. Everything goes to> show that the Overseas Dominions fully realise the onenoss of the Empire in time of war.' Certainly them is no inclination on the part of New Zealand to - shirk its responsibility' as a,member of the great Imperial , family. Tlie- PnniE Ministbr'h' announcement in the House of Representatives last night that, if tho lined should arise. Nnw Zealand would offer England the services of an expeditionary force, and that he had no fear of , volunteers not responding should the call go forth, was instantly .seconded by tho. Lead-

or of the Opposition with an assurance of,the hearty co-operation of members on his side of the House The singing of the National Anthem gave a touch of colour to an occasion in itself deeply impressive, and doubly so as, the expression of a loyal sentiment common to every country within the British Empire. No one who listened to the speeches of Mn. Massey and. Sir Joseph Ward could be blind to the fact that the mere suggestion of an' Imperial call wiped out as if by magic every trace of party differences. It is extremely gratifying to know that the representatives of the people were unanimous in this matter, and it_ is quite certain that their action will have the whole-hearted support of the overwhelming majority of the people of New Zealand of every shade of political opinion. It is very fortunate that when our new defence scheme was being built up special provision was made for the formation of a volunteer expeditionary force in; case of need.' All the neces- , sary arrangements have been carefully thought out in advance, and the force will be so. organised and equipped that it would bo able automatically to tako its place in the field with the rest of the British Army. We all hope that it will not be necessary to put this scheme into actual operation,' but in a time of crisis like the.present it is good to know, that all the necessary machinery exists, to enable us to give effective assistance to the Mother Country in,maintaining the prestige and integrity of the' Envrjira The spirit of Imperial solidarity is just as strong in Canada arid elsewhere as in.New Zealand. It is reported that 30,000 Canadian, troops are ready to go to the front if they are required. Nor is Australia likely to lag behind if the need arises, for the people of the Commonwealth have always shown their readiness to ljear their share of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of Empire. Should tlio occasion arise the world'will find that the communities of which the Empire is composed stand united and firm- and solid as a rock, when the. enemy knocks at; the gates. e .