The Hawera Star. THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1924. WHAT THE EMPIRE STANDS FOR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 July 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1924. WHAT THE EMPIRE STANDS FOR.

Delivered every evening by 8 o'clock in Hawera, Manaia, NArmanby, Okaiawa, El t bam, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeuo Uanutabi, Alton, Hnrleyville, Patea, Waverley, Hokoia, Wkakamara, Ohangai, Meremere. Fraser Road, and

In their hurry to denounce, the British Empire opponents give little if any thought to what the Empire stands, for. What fate lies in front of the collection of nations which we call the British Empire no one knows. To some extent, ptrhaps to a greater extent than many of the people realise, the fate of the Empire lies in the hands of this generation. During the last decade the nation has passed through one of the most difficult periods in its history, when not only its material but its moral resources have been subjected to most severe tests. War is always a test not only of the combined strength of the nation, but of the courage and determination of the units which j make up the nation. History records how magnificently the nation and the great mass of the people in all parts of the Empire stood the test and came through the fiery ordeal, their courage undaunted and their determination as strong as ever. The war proved that the people of the Empire regarded the nation as worth fighting to defend and its principles and ideals worth dying for. It was the old spirit of the generations of the past who had taken their part in building up the Empire of Freedom and Justice; it is that spirit to which we must look for its future defence and progress. The British people have in the past shown clearly that the nation’s greatest desire is peace and goodwill among all countries and that war is hateful to our' people. Since the Armistice was signed British statesmen of all shades of political thought have used their best endeavours towards the preservation of peace, and the Empire’s keen support of the League of Nations, its rapid demobilisation after the war, its readiness to take its part in all conferences that had for their object the reduction of armaments and the removal of causes for conflict, and its fulfilment of the terms of the Washington Agreement give ample evidence of the British desire for peace. But to be a powerful influence f6r peace the Empire must maintain its unity, and it must itself be prosperous, for were the Empire not united and were there strife and dispute among the nations comprising it it would be setting the world a very poor example of the fruits of peace within our Imperial borders. The fair name of the British Empire, in politics and commerce, its international prestige and financial credit, have been gained by its traditional attitude of justice, honesty and fair dealing towards other nations. Whenever a great international problem arises, the world looks to Britain and the Dominions to see ’what the attitude of the Empire will be and what action the nation will take. It has frequently happened that the Empire has taken great risks in order to uphold its priuciples of honour, justice and freedom, and no doubt, if occasion arises it will do so again. What then should be the attitude of the average British citizen upon whom rests the responsibility of doing his part to help the Empire in its great work of leading the world in peace? Obviously he should do hi a best to uphold in his daily life the principles for which the British Empire is renowned. New Zealanders have by their loyalty to the great nation and

by their sacrifices in defence of it principles earned a place of which they have every reason to be proud. They responded most readily to the nation’s call; they gave of their best; they have, since the Armistice, worked splendidly to overcome the problems and difficulties left by the war. The country is being steadily developed, and its trade is growing year by year, and if its people continue peacefully and diligently to work out the Dominion’s destiny along the lines which have been followed so successfully there need be no fear that, as far as this part of the Empire is concerned, they will fail in their contributions to the nation’s strength and greatness. The individual may at times feel that his daily work is humdrum, but all work properly done must bring its reward, however humble the task, and it is the aggregate effect of such efforts that'becomes of uatioual importance. The farmer taking his milk to the factory or cleaning his cans may never think of the great markets to which the produce of the farms is sent, but it does matter whether or not farmers and factory managers take care that their work is well done. So it -.is in every path of life- —good work helps the nation, poor work hinders it, for behind one’s work there is the spirit in which it is and upon the spirit of the people the Empire must rely for its strength.