BRITISH FLAG PRAISED.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 30 July 1928, Page 12

BRITISH FLAG PRAISED.

TRIBUTE FROM A GERMAN. “AN EMBLEM OF FREEDOM.” When a German priest is heard tolling!; natives of former German New Guinea —adults, boy® and girls—-in their own tongue, that the British Empire is “truly a great and glorious Empire” it \ becomes fairly evident, savs a Rabaul correspondent of the “Sydney Morning Herald,” that great changes have take place in the .Mandated Territory since the Commonwealth of Australia took over the administration. The words are ' those of Father Huskes, f a German Roman Catholic missionary in the Duke of York islands and they were used in the course of his Empire Day address to the natives in their own language. The translation of the entire utterance is interesting as showing the doctrine that is being taught to the territory native in order to educate him to good citizenship. “In all parts of the world,” said Father Huskes. “where the British Empire rules, and the British flag is flying, people of the Empire will meet to-day to rejoice and salute the flag—that emblem of British strength, power and freedom. You natives, British subjects, .should rejoice in being members of the Empire whose rule is firmly established here. “Boys, the British Empire is truly a great and glorious Empire. It embraces millions of white and coloured people living peacefully under its rule. The British .Empire enlightens them and seeks in every way to promote their peace, welfare, and happiness. It is for' their peace and protection that wise and prudent laws have been established. These' islands are part of the British Empire. The flag of freedom is flying here, therefore we meet today to do our part in celebrating Empire Day in a fitting way.” Addressing the pupils of the Government school and the two colleges. Father Huskes said : “You pupils of the schools should rejoice that you are so blessed as to he in these fine schools. Every day you should' endeavour to acquire that knowledge and those virtues which will make you true and useful members of the Empire and your own country! . .- . “The British Empire in an Empire of enlightenment, peace, and order. Put aside those had habits and customs which will make you degraded and ruin your health. Now you know better than before, so live better and '-leaner than you did before. So with enh doing his duty a.s a faithful, loyal, and obedient subject these islands will prosper, and you, the- native races, will he happy, the prison will he empty; stealing and disobedience will disappear. “If you do your part as members of the British Empire that Empire will promote your happiness in every way, and provide you with that protection, pence, and good order which are the glory of every civilised country.”