THE DEVELOPING EMPIRE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 11 June 1909, Page 7

THE DEVELOPING EMPIRE.

[press association.]

LONDON, June 9.

Mr Kirwan (Westralia), responding to the toast of tbe guests ait thet luncheon in the House of Commons, emphasized the steady strengtheining of the spirit of colonial nationalism, namely, tha spirit, and pride of being an Australian,, a Canadian, or a New Zealander. Yet a. change was coining over the Donunionsi and the Empire, and they were surely tending towards a. period of closer alliance, and the Empire of the: future would be: grander and! gi-eai^er thani in the past, inasmuch as it would, consist of .a great family of new nations, which would be a strength and pride to the Motherland.

Several Cabinet Ministers, and all Londoni oditora, attended Mr LloydGeorgei's breakfast. "* Tna weather was delightful dusring Lord Northeliffe's entertaimneait au Sutton Place, Guilford. No speeches were.made. The 230 guests included Lords Roberts, Esher, and Robert Hugh Cecil. In *tJiei eveodng Mr Beachcrofti, chairman of the. County Council, beld a reception at the Grafton galleriea One thousand guests included the London mayors and municipal officials. The; Chronicle says, in an endorsamemto of Lord Roseibeiry's warnings', that they made a deep - impression on the; audience. Mr Ward's speech, showed the Conference the opiniibni that those who sheltieireid themsif-ves behind the flag ought to takera sharei in the maintenance of the flee*.

The! Daily Express says the manly speeches of Sir E. Grey, Mr Lytteiton and Mr Ward make far morei foa; peace thapi tha itinerant junkettings of the Labor leaders in Geirzna.ny.

The general opinion is 1 that siucih discussions as those of yesterday are the best possible preparation* for the confidential official debates of neixq month, and the opportunity of meieibing and hearing Britain/s leaders' and public men, are the) best' resufcts of the visit.