25 YEARS AGO

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 259, 31 July 1939, Page 8

25 YEARS AGO

The Dominions And The War (From "The Dominion,” August 1,1914.) Every British community in the world will respond loyally to the suggestion by the Prime Minister of England, Mr. Asquith, that all party and sectional considerations should, while there is war in Europe, be thrust into the background, so that Britain may be able to present a united front, and to speak with the authority of an undivided nation. Everything goes to show that the overseas Dominions fully realize the onus of the Empire in time of war. Certainly there is no inclination on the partof New Zealand to shirk its responsibility as a member ot the great Imperial family. The announcement iu the New Zealand House of Representatives made, by the Prime Minister last night, that, if the need should arise. New Zealand would offer 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 the Leader of the Opposition with an assurance of the hearty co-opera-tion of members on his side of the House. The singing of the National Anthem gave a touch of colour to an occasion in itsclt 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 Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward could be blind to the fact that the mere , suggestion of an Imperial call wiped out, ; ns if by magic, every trace of party deference. 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 wholehearted support of the overwhelming majority of the people or 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 voluntary expeditionary force in case of need. All the necessary arrangements have been carefully thought out in advance, and the force will be so organized and equipped that it would be able automatically to take its place in the field with the rest of the British Amy. We all hope that it will not be. necessary to put this scheme into 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 Empire The spirit of Imperial solidarity is just as strong in Canada and 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 bear their share of the responsibility ns well as the privileges of Empire. Should the occasion arise the world win find that the communities of which the British Empire is composed stand united and firm and as solid as a rock when the enemy knocks at the gates.