OUR POINTS OF VIEW

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 51, 28 August 1925, Page 6

OUR POINTS OF VIEW

The British Empire has at times been-likened to a pyramid based upon the four corners of the world. As indicating the solidity of the structure, this is an apt simile; but in truth this widespread Empire more resembles some mountain, shaped by various forces and having no exact geometrical form. The pyramid suggests a structure formed according to plan, and from all sides presenting the same aspect; whereas a mountain appears differently to persons viewing it from different points. Upon one face it presents easy, pleasant slopes; upon another a rough, precipitous ascent. Neighbouring peaks from one side may seem even to dominate the mountain; on another they are entirely hidden. It is so with the Empire. Viewed from the East it has an aspect different from that presented to the West. As one can see the true form of the mountain only by moving round it, so we may consider the real significance of the Empire only by travelling in its many parts. This is what the Empire Press Union has been doing since 1909; and it is work well worth doing. New Zealand and Australian delegates, with others, have travelled to Canada and Great Britain. This year the delegates from many parts of the Empire have come to the South Pacific. Their visit, we may be sure, will be of lasting benefit to them and to us.

We may estimate this benefit by consideration of the speeches made yesterday by the delegates. Lord Burnham, in glowing terms, expressed the high regard which Great Britain holds for this isolated counterpart of Britain. It is the admiring and affectionate feeling which a mother has for a son whom she sees striving to live up to the family tradition. We, on cur part, return that affection with filial devotion. For Canada there is a deep and lasting affection also, but it is fraternal rather than filial. We recognise in Canada an elder brother. The duty of our relationship could not Lave been better expressed than it was in the moving speech made by Mr. Woods, the Canadian delegate. Canada, from her position in the North American Continent, sees things in the Empire which we do not see; And we, viewing the great Commonwealth of Nations from its farthest boundary, see things which are hidden from the eyes of Canada. It would be worse than foolish to maintain obstinately that there is one side only from which the Empire may be regarded. We must endeavour to see what is presented to North and South, to East and West. Our vision will be clearer if we are inspired by the tolerance and active sympathy for which Mr. Woods so eloquently appealed. To that appeal, we believe, there will be a response as ready and cordial as the ovation given to the speaker yesterday. The work of the Empire Press Union, carried forward in this spirit, cannot fail to produce in all parts of the Empire results as great as those which this visit already promises in New Zealand.