THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 105, 29 January 1924, Page 7

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 emnires of Greece and Rome? Mr. Massey is is emphatic that it is not. Sneaking at the civic reception accorded him at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, he said:—“The principal object of the Imperial Conferences is to maintain the unity ,of the Empire. Dominion Prime Ministers cross thousands of miles, and meet men who are imbued with the same ideal and purpose. We are the trustees of the Empire—men whose duty it is to hold it for those who come after us, and pass it on, brighter 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 Air. Massey, “when I look around at what has happened in recent years, and contemplate Itdie possibilities of the future. I believe that Providence will keep the British Empire together. At all events, so far as its usefulness is concerned, it has done 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 nainter.’ ” said. Mr. Massey, at a later stage of his address. “I addressed many big meetings in Canada, and the audiences there were just as loyal as New Zealand, and that is saying a good deal.” (Hear, hear.)