EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 May 1906, Page 2

EMPIRE DAY CELEBRATIONS.

LOCAL REJOICINGS. Empire Day was ushered in locally in fine weather, albeit it was a trifle bracing. At 9.30 a.m. a large crowd assembled at the Greymouth District High School, where elaborate preparations had been made to celebrate the event. A dais had been erected in irout. of i lie tower, whereon was seated Britannia (Miss Angus) resplendent with the colours of the Empire, and carrying a trident and tricolored shield, She was attended by three little dots, Misses G. Harper, Vin--1 sen and Morris, who were attired in white with sashes of red. white and blue. - and wore wreaths of flowers displaying the colours. The scene was an exceedingly pretty one, which was added to in effect by a large Union Jack liag flying lustily in the fresh morning breeze. At the word of command, the children marched past, and saFiu-d the Sag of Old England. Thereafter the Cadets in full uniform, under the command of Captain Austin, marched past, presented arms, and the bugler (Master Masters) sounded the Royal Salute. The National Anthem was then sung, under the conductorship of Miss Batchelor, and to music supplied by Miss Russel! and Master J. McQueen, after which several addresses were given. The Rector (Mr A. A. Adams) said that they were all asking that morning "Why are wo here? Why have we gone to such trouble in creeling the platform and decorating the prettiest children in the school to take the parts of Britannia and her attendants? Why were they assembled in vast numbers that day?” The colours, he said, represented the great and v astEmpire to which they iiad the honour to belong. They wore there to eommonmorate the birth—B7 years ago —of the good Queen Victoria. They desired to perpetuate her memory, for she possessed to the full those beautiful womanly virtues—those qualities and attributes which made her rule so well. It was desirable that they should reflect upon these high virtues periodically, and it should he their desire to live to the high standard so set up. Secondly, they were there to honour the llag of the Empire. Anywhere they went they were irec from molestation and offence when subjects of the Union Jack. After God, there was nothing they should revere so much as the Flag. It was owing to that flag that foreign nations fear to invade their country, in which they could go from one end to the other without being asked their business or subjected to annoyance. Therefore, they should honour ihe flag. The Government rightly decided some years ago to commemorate this day, and have functions similar to that then in progress, so that the children could be taught that the Union Jack was emblematical of “Justice and Freedom.” They should honour it, for under it everything that was noble held place, while the benefits, blessings and privileges were incalculable. Throughout their lives they should do nothing to dishonour the (lag. j They loved New Zealand with a deep and undying love, hut they should also love (lie Flag of the Motherland, which ensured nil blessing. ’JTiejf should never turn their hack on the Union Jack even thouch it might cost them their lives. (Applause). Mr Adams apologised for the absence of the Mayor through illness and of Mr Biguell (Chairman of the Committee), who was called away at the last minute owing to an accident on one of his contracts. Yen. Archdeacon York said the (lag was the emblem of Great Britain’s greatness. All under it were British subjects, and he might say that ho knew the value of being such, for when travelling on the Continent some years hack, he found, on stating he was n British subject, that he was treated with the greatest of respect, whereas others, not owing allegiance to the flag, had considerable difficulties. Everywhere the flag was respected, more so because they knew there was something to hack it up. Thcir’s was a great, world-wide Empire on which the sun never set. They should also he proud, for they had the greatest city (London) in the world. They had the greatest navy, while as to the army, it was said a British i soldier was worth five Frenchmen and ; over so many other foreigners. That, of course, was the soldiers’ own estimate. In ] battles they had been victorious time af- , (cr time, and they never did expect to he defeated as long as they had young, sturdy soldiers in the Cadets coming on. 1 Their’s was also the best Government in s the world ; they had the greatest liberty —above all religious toleration. Under it ( they had the Great Christian religion, t which-would ever reign supreme. On the j Union Jack was the emblem of the Cross, n

and religion would accordingly go on increasing till at last all would embrace the great and noble Christian doctrine. Religion taught the principle that they should love one another. This great principle of

love was put in operation under the flag, and he hoped to see it carried out between the school children. (Applause). Rev. R. Stewart said it was necessary to have function sof the kind; to learn of the things of the past. The Government had done well in inaugurating Empire Day, which was calculated to instil a healthy Imperialistic spirit. The British was a very great Empire, parts of which were widely separated from one another. As to the Old Country, her ancient institutions were bound to cultivate a greater enthusiasm, bringing them into one heart with the rest of the Empire. The old flag stood for liberty; liberty of the subject both colored and white. They should never forgot 'he colored people, for the flag also ensured liberty, and extended its benefits to them. Ho was glad the Maori race was not decaying, but that it was being gradually strengthened, and hoped that they would live in harmony and peace with them. Empire Day was an excellent institution, and he trusted it would he continued year after year. Captain Green said the flag stood for liberty, and reminded them that when asked the secret of England’s greatness, the late Queen Victoria pointed to the Bible, which, he said, was at present kept out of the schools, but would get there ultimately all the same. They should value their liberty and never betray the flag, which stood' for right and good. (Applause). The children then sang the patriotic -song, “The Union Jack,” followed by a verso of “God >Sa\o the King." Complimentary cheers terminated the gathering. Mr Adams desires us to heartily thank

Captain Ryan for his kindness and gene-

rosity in lending the necessary paraphernalia' for the ceremony, which took place at the school this morning, and he assures us that Captain Ryan’s action is greatly appreciated, and will long bo remembered by the teachers;