THE EMPIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 109, 10 May 1935, Page 5

THE EMPIRE

ITS GREATNESS

LOYALTY AND OPTIMISM

Service by work and loyalty to theKing were the chief sources of strel lgth and greatness of the British Empire, the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. E. A. Ransom) said yesterday when addressing members of the Optimists* Club. Mr. Ransom referred briefly to the needs of the future and the action that had been taken in New Zealand to meet them. "Let us all be optimists with fullconfidence in our Empire and our country," said Mr. Ransom, who drew attention to the remarkable homage that had been paid by many nations t» their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. All had acclaimed the greatness of the British Monarchy. "What represents the greatness of out Empire?" Mr. Ransom asked. The reason, he added, was not pomp or personal greatness, but "the service of your work, your mind, and your heart. The source of his Majesty the King's strength has been righteousness of character and the fact that lie has never let his people down. This, sure« ly, should be the objective of every. New Zealander." Referring to the need of consolidat* ing .the Empire on: the.ideal Of family unity, ungrudging service, discipline, and real co-operation as exemplified by their Majesties, Mr. Ransom said that one of the needs of the future was a wise distribution of white population throughout the Empire. There were difficulties to be faced and overcome, but New Zealand already had most o£ the services to accommodate a-greatly-increased population. It was unnecessary to elaborate the Dominion's won* derful natural resources. New Zealand, all the Dominions, indeed, could best serve the Empire by assisting in a more equal distribution of the congested population of Great Britain, thus stimulating both primary and secondary production and relieving unem* ployment "I'am convinced," added Mr. Ransom, "that those engaged in great industrial, commercial, and financial undertakings will give their help and their means to this end. Such a distribution of population among the various outposts of the Empire is going materially to save the world for peace. The vast open; spaces of the Empire are danger spots, and if not populated with people of our' own race and flag will become a great temptation-to coloured races and foreign Powers. His Majesty the King and his advisers have safely guarded the greatest heritage that has ever fallen to the lot of men. Let us remember in New Zealand the great liberty we enjoy under King George's beneficent rule. Each Dominion enjoys wonderful freedom of action in respect of its own government." The Minister also referred to ttie development of the pumice belt; in the North Island, and other former waste lands, to the scheme promoted by Mr. D Bryant, to Lord Numeld's magnificent gift of £60,000 for the benefit of crippled children, and to the record o£ New Zealand for advanced legislation. "What is behind the national greatness of the Empire?. It is simply, clean government and clean individual1 lives. Their Majesties have,set a high example. Let us do our part la loyalty, and optimism." • - ;