DISRUPTION OF EMPIRE

Evening Star, Issue 21966, 28 February 1935, Page 11

DISRUPTION OF EMPIRE

NO REAL EVIDENCES IOM BAOEN-POWEII'S OPINION Tendencies which were by Sir, Hugh Denison in an address given in Christchurch on Monday as evidences of disruption in the British Empire were described as only transitory phases by the World Chief Scout, Lord BadenPowell. when Sir Hugh’s remarks were referred to him. Lord Baden-Powell said that in his Empire tours'the matters mentioned by Sir Hugh had not escaped his notice, but he was convinced that there was a deep feeling of loyalty throughout the Empire. Most of the trouble was caused by politicians, who acted without proper consideration of the consequences. Unity, both Imperial and international, was undoubtedly essential, said Lord Baden-Powell, and it would be a bad thing if the Empire were to dissipate its energies. The strength of the Empire lay in such loyalty as he had noticed in New Zealand to the King and the Royal Family. The dominion’s loyalty, he added, had made a deep impression upon him. • _ Lord Baden-Powell said that the Scouting movement was a valuable influence towards Empire unity. It was most important that former Scouts should keep in touch with the movement and retain their ideals of boyhood—straight living and dealing. In England there were strong associations of old boys,” and he wi_shed_ to see the same type of organisation in other parts of the Empire. Men in these associations would have no duties or parades, but would merely keep in touch with and support the local branches of the movement. They would be a strong help in times of trouble. *