EMPIRE DAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 15003, 25 May 1909, Page 8

EMPIRE DAY.

PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATIONS.

GATHERINGS IN THE CITY

A GREAT ASSEMBLAGE OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.

The remarkable regularity with which May ’ 24 has been favoured with gloriously lino weather was noli broken yesterday. Apparently, the new institution of Empire Day is destined to be as fortunate in this respect as the old “ Queen’s Birthday.” The Clerk of tho Weather seems to be quite willing to encourage and foster tho specially patriotic feeling that arose out of the Empire’s love for the late Queen v ictoria. Yesterday’s weather, in iact, could not have been more propitious lor the purpose for which the day was set apart. With a clear blue sky, a fresh soft breeze and all Nature gay, bright and bonny, the conditions were Several thousand bright-eyed., strong and healthy hoys and girls from the public schools assembled in King Edward Barracks, where they wore addressed by prominent citizons, and where they sang patriotic songs and saluted, the flag. The children made a very effective display m the immense building, which covers an acre and a half of ground. Some vere in uniform and some in their civilian ” costumes, but tho general colour effect was good. The school cadets, representing three battalions, called forth the admiration of the spectators by their smart military appearance and the precision with which they went through a few movements, notably in the ceremony of saluting the flag. They also formed the most conspicuous part of a pretty and somewhat imposing picture when they marched, through the streets to Victoria Square, and formed into a triangle in front of the statue. The Boy Scouts, in khaki uniforms, also attracted a good deal of attention. On the whole the proceedings were both picturesque and attractive, and the large numbers of the public who attended were impressed with the stamp and bearing of the boys and girls who came out yesterday to demonstrate their love for their country and their Empire. The demonstration in the Barracks was organised by the North Canterbury Teachers’ Institute, and the president, Mr E. U. Just, presided. The Mayor, who w r as received with applause, said, that it was with great pleasure that he noted tho fact that the schools were saving the situation in regard to Empire Day. Bub for them there was grave danger that an annual patriotic demonstration would not take place. Tho day had been set apart for the observance of tbo duty all owed to the Empire, and ho had hoped that it would be universally recognised. That was not so, but he looked forward to tho day when it would ho observed not only by the schools, but by all other people in the dominion. He trusted that next year the people would realise fully the duty that they owed to tbeir country. Archdeacon Averill then addressed the children. The gathering was held, ho said, to remind them all that it was Empire Day. That made them ask who had made the Empire, and what had to be done to retain and maintain it. The wreaths that, the children-were about to place round the statue of Queen Victoria were a symbol that thero was a close connection between the day and the life of the late Queen. He thanked God that, the Empire to which they belonged had been built on the love and devotion of the people for Queen Victoria. She had lived in the faith and fear of God, and it had ever been her desire that her people should do likewise. All through her life she had set a noble example by pure living, and it was that life and example that had welded the whole Empire together. Everyone had a duty to tho Empire, and in the noble life which each should strive to live, loyalty and 6elf-sacrifice should play leading parts. They must bo prepared to give something to the Empire as well as to got something from it. Loyalty to the school and the home were forerunners of the loyalty they should loarn to show” to the Empire. The childron than sang two verses of the New Zealand National Anthem. Tho Rev Dr Gibb, of Wellington, said that tho British Empire had not been made really great by commerce, nor by its brave soldiers. Queen Victoria, in handing a Bible to a nativo chief had said, “ that is the secret of England’s greatness,’ and it was on the Bible that her groatness was really based. The children must learn to do their duty and fear their God, and so make the Empire a fortress for the free and a temple for their God. Mr It. M’Nab congratulated the citizens on such a fine gathering and spoke of the fact that the annual demonstration was coming to be more fully observed. He addressed the school cadets on the necessity of their military training, which would help greatly towards defending the Empire, of which they were all so proud. The children led by Captain Malcolm sang two verses of “Tho Red, Whito and Blue,” with much heartiness. Mr G. T. Booth said that he was glad and proud to he present, and if there was one day on which all should join in expressions of patriotism it was Empire Day. The very sun was glad to recognise the day, although the sun was not a British -possession. Yet he was a friend of the Empire. Empire Day was not merely an. occasion for speeches and flog flying ; it meant that they realised their privileges and duties as British subjects, and pledged themselves to the highest ideals of honour and national duty. They had no quarrel with Germany or any other nation und it was not on the score of quarrels that the day was celebrated. The children then saluted the flag, the buglers playing the general salute. Mr C. A. C. Hardy, M.P., ehairmaD of the Education Board, thanked the teachors and all who had assisted in making the function so enthusiastic. If they were to make a success of the Empiro the children must learn to obey. Ho bad been told that time was up, and as he had told them to obey, so he would, and stop speaking. The National Anthem was sung, and the children were marched to Victoria Square, whore a very large crowd had assembled round Queen Victoria’s statue. The children placed numbers of wreaths on the statue, which was loaded with flowers in a very short time, and, after the Burnham Band had played a select,ion, they marched away. Tho Mayor and a gathering of representative citizens liad assembled at the foot of tho statue, but 110 speeches were delivered. Air Allison read tho following telegram from tho Prime Minister:“I extend to your At orship and the citizens now assembled hearty greetings, and regret that through pressure of public duties I am unable to bo present with you personally on this occasion. To those who have tho welfare of the Empiro at heart, this day brings homo a reminder of our glorious privileges as members of a nation that stands in the forefront for liberty and progress. My message for all at this time is: ' Let us guard the welfare of the kingdom by jealously maintaining the proud position it holds to-day.’ ” After the band had played the National Anthem the gathering dispersed. The Square was thronged, and among the many beautiful wreaths were, tokens from all sections of the community. The school children were dismissed in LCranmer Square.

THE BLUE JUAIPERS. To tho Blue Jumpers, Canterbury’s first Volunteers, and soldiers of the late Queen Victoria, Empire Day is perhaps more significant than to the ordinary citizen. The annual social of the “ Old Brigade” was held in tho Caledonian Society’s rooms, and there was a splendid muster. Colonel Slater was in the chair, and in his speech referred to the old days of Volunteering in Christchurch. He said that Volunteering today was dead, and what, was)needed to save the Empire in time of need was universal sendee. An extensive toast, .list was gone through during tho evening, and several members made speeches reminiscent’ of the early days. Feeling reference was made to “Our comrades who have departed,” the toast being drunk in silence, tho members standing, while Messrs A. Millar, G. Alarch, R. Vincent and AV. Cookson gave an excellent rendition of “The Soldier’s Farewell.” A veto of thanks to the chairman concluded an enjoyable evening. THE SAVAGE CLUB. The meeting of th 0 Savage Club last night was specially given to a recognition of Empire Day. There was a large and exceptionally representative attendance and the proceedings were marked by intense enthusiasm and loyalty. Prior to the proceedings proper, Savage Alpers made a brief appreciative reference to the late Mr G. P. Williams, who was one of the founders of the club. Incidentally lie stated that, it was the last wish of AJr Williams that Empire Day should he celebrated by the club in the usual manner. A programme of patriotic songs, stories and speeches followed. Savage Dr Fenwick occupying tho chair. Later in the evening Air R. M’Nab arrived and was vociferously welcomed by the Savages. In responding to the toast, of his health Mr Al : Nab spoke briefly in support of his scheme of universal military training. Incidentally be’stated that the attendance of the Prime Minister at tho Defence Conference was imperative, and that, in a question of that sort all party politics should be sunk.

THE ASHBURTON CELEBRATIONS. Empire Day was celebrated at Ashburton yesterday with remarkable enthusiasm. In the morning / a. procession comprising the Ashburton Guards and Ashburton Rifles Volunteer Companies, school cadets, fire brigades, tho Ashburton County Band, the Ashburton Tempo ranco Baud, accompanied, by a, detachment of twenty-five bluejackets from 11.M.5. Challenger, under the command of Lieutenant Cooper, marched to the Domain, marshalled: by Major Dolman, V.D., and Lieutenant Hayes, V. Tho proceedings were commenced by the singing of the Ola Hundredth by all present. The Union Jack was then unfurled and the ceremony of saluting the flag was gone through by tho military forces prcsont. T’lio National Anthem was sung, after which three volleys were fired, and cheers were given for the King by tho Volunteers. Amongst those on the platform we.ro tho Mayor of Ashburton (Air H. Davis), in tho chair. Colonel-Cliaplain tho Rev E. E. Chambers, the Rev T. A. Hamilton and Captain C. J. 'Treleayen (representing the Canterbury Navy League), Lieutenant Cooper (tho Navy), the Rev E. Whitehouse, and Alossrs 11. J. Alarriner (president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce), W. 11. Collins and S. Baird (honorary secretary of the Empire Day Celebration Committee). The Mayor briefly addressed the gathering, impressing upon his hearers the importance of conserving the freedom which existed under the British flag, and of instilling into the younger generation the sentiments of patriotism which had made the Empire what it was. Mr AY. Nosworthy, ALP., said that- if that day’s meeting could in any way strengthen tho Empire’s bonds of unity it would bo adding something towards tiie sentiment of patriotism which was t.he basis of the Empire. In the future it, was probable that the supremacy of the world might have to be contested between Britain, Germany and Russia, and it might even come to a contest between the Anglo-Saxons and tho rest of the world. The Russian Cossacks might overrun Europe as Napoleon once predicted, but he was confident that, Russia would not ovorrun tho high seas. So long as there was a strong spirit of loyalty on tho part of all Britons there was nothing to fear for' the future of tho Empire. Vlnit was needed was some movement which would more tightly knit together tho integral parts of the Empire. He trusted the present meeting was an indication of larger and more important gatherings throughout the Empire. Mr H. J- Alarriner. president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, said that it was a pity that history was not, taimlit more in the schools: if it was, ho felt confident that children’s minds would be. so fired with the stirring events and noble deeds of the past, that t.liev would grow up better aucl more patriotic citizens of the Empire. The speaker dealt wit some length with tho commercial and navaJ growth of Germany since 1810. Britain, he said, was brought face to face with a competitor of no mean power, a nation which liad in forty years forced itself to the front rank. _ Germany s organisation, both in politics and commerce. far surpassed that of any other nation. Germany would not now brook interference, and would not be turned aside, from her purposes* Her answer to the Peace Conference in reference to disarmament was, that she would not even discuss or consider the question, because German armaments were framed solely in the interests of Germany. Tbo Kaiser, who was a shrewd and able malt was aiming at 1 the world’s commerce, or the giant’s share of it, and the only nation that was Standing in his way was Britain. AVere tho imports of Britain stopped by war or naval defeat, for a few weeks only, it would be a terrible disaster for the Motherland, bringing rum and starvation in its train. New 7 Zealand was in 0. similar position, in that it was surrounded by the seas and absolutely dependent 011 ships for transport.' So essential was the navy to New Zealand that were war declared, in all probability her sea routes would be patrolled by the enemy’s cruisers and liners would be captured or sunk. The exports and imports would be smaller owing to the war risks, and money would be scarce, while the country would always he at the mercy of any stray cruiser that cared to bombard its cities. Once tlie sceptre of the sea was allowed to pass from Britain, then, as surely as night followed day, they could look for the downfall of the British Empire. He could not believe that that day would ever come. He believed that the British race had not yet fulfilled its mission, and that when the crisis caruo it would rise with vigour and determination, and hold iie own against all foes. The people of thus land must bear their burden and do their part in assisting the dear old land in her times of anxiety and trouble. (Applause). .. ... The Rev T. A. Hamilton said that when the .battle of Trafalgar was fought the population of Britain was only twice that of the present population of London, yet the navy contained three times as many ships and twice as many men as it did to-day. Irom that time onward Britain had held the balance of the world’s sea power. America and Britain were the richest and most peace-loving nations in the world. America, was quite safe. It needed no army, and scarcely needed a navy, but Britain. needed, to protect her vast and widespread dominions, a. navy unequalled in the world. Britain could provide the ships and the icons., hut the,

outlying parts of the Empire could do their part, by providing trained men and also dockyards where naval vessels could put in for repairs and stores. Christianity regarded war ns a. crime, but it was a greater crime still to allow an enemy to invade one’s country without doing one’s best to defend tho country’s homes and women and children. New Zealand was a maritime country and her boys ought, to be trained for the sea. There was a trainingship now and New Zealand-trained boys bad an advantage over tbo.se trained at Home, for they could bo nominated as naval cadets without examination. Ho urged young New Zealanders to sympathetically and enthusiastically accept the proposals which would be made to them by Mr R. Af’Nab in the near future.

Colonel-Chaplain the Rev E. Elliot Chambers said that, while the British Navy League numbered about 60,000 members, Germany’s Navy League numbered a million. Germany had at present a larger uumbor of ships available for the construction of Dreadnoughts than Britain had, and until more slips were provided, the rate of construction of Dreadnoughts could not be accelerated. Act if Germany went to war with Britain this year, Britain’s supremacy on the sea was still so marked that Germany would surely be “ knocked out.” (Applause.) England’s fleet was still supreme, hut Germany would draw ahead next year unless Lord Charles Berosford’s demand that eight Dreadnoughts should be laid down was acceded to. Germany was dominating Europe to-day in military power, and she was dominating the world in other directions. She had bought coaling stations in the Azores, for no other reason than to dominate British trade. Lord Charles Beresford had resigned from the Admiralty in order that he might speak publicly to the people of the Empire. New Zealand had given a Dreadnought, but not one of his hearers had. paid a penny towards it. They must make some self-sacrifice, and. Air R. Al’Nab would tell them how to do it. 111 the. event of war with Germany, the yellow man would descend on tho colonies, and the Pacific Fleet would be useless. " The men are magnificent,” said the speaker, “but, the ships are rotten. They would make good targets, that’s all.” 111 conclusion. 110 made a strong appeal for better support for the Navy League. His remarks wore, greeted by frequent demonstrations of approval. At the call of the Alayor, three hearty cheers were given for .the speakers. • . The visitors were entertained at luncheon and the Alayor thanked the visiting speakers and Lieutenant Cooper for their attendance. Lieutenant Cooper and the Rev T. A. Hamilton replied, on behalf of tho visitors. \ In the afternoon the bands played in the Domain and a number of footraces and other sports for children were held. OTHER CELEBRATIONS. . Now Brighton.—The school cadets met at the school grounds yesterday morning and sainted the flag, after which addresses were given by the chairman of tlie school committee' (Air J. 13. Scoble), the Rev if. C. Purchas and others. The municipal, band played loyal airs at intervals. Tbo school cadets attended tho Anglican Church on Sunday, under the care of the headmaster, Air G. AAL Bishop, aud tho Rev H. C. Purchas gave an address suitable to the occasion.

Kaiapoi. - •Business premises were closed in Kaiapoi. but. the woollen mills were _ running as usual. At 10 a.m! there was a patriotic demonstration in Darnley Square, attended by a large number of school children marshalled by Air AV. D. Bean, headmaster, arid: a fair gathering- of the townspeople. The District. High School Cadets also paraded. The Alayor, Mr J. U. Blackwell, read the following telegram from the Hon D. Bud do, Minister of Internal Affairs:—“Regret my inability to attend the annual celebration of Empire Day at Kaiapoi, and join with citizens to keep the memory of t.he Empirebuilders green, while appreciating our right to live under the protection of a flag that gives freedom and justice to all. Kindly apologise for my absence. I trust good weather will favour a. large gathering of young people/’ The Mayor then delivered an address appropriate. to the occasion, at, the. close of which tho children sang “ The British Grenadiers” and gave throe cheers for tho Mayor. A move was then made to tho Queen's Memorial Statue, where two girls placed wreaths on tho pedestal, and the National Anthem was sung. The school children afterwards planted a hundred beech and silver pine trees in the Square. Rangiora. A close holiday was observed at Rangiora. A few flags were flown, but there was no general patriotic demonstration. The public school cadets paraded, and then left for Christchurch to attend the school demonstration. A rifle meeting, arranged by the Rangiora Volunteers, wa.s held, and lawn tennis and hockey matches were played. Cheviot. —. The ceremony of saluting the flag was performed by the children) of the Alackenzio school yesterday, after which Air G. W. Forbes, 31.1\, addressed t.he children. He said that, in days gone by men and women have given up their lives in defence of tho flag, which stood for justice and fair play wherever it flow. Brought up in a seaport, many a foreign trader has told him that whenever they arrived in a British port, the senso of security and of freedom made them always feel pleased to welcome a place that flew tlie Union Jack, for there they always received fair treatment. Mr Forbes further expressed ins assurance that tho time would come soon when every young man would have to go through a certain amount of military training. He hoped when that time came every boy before him would do his duty to the Empire. After the flag had been saluted and three cheers given for it. the children gave three cheers for Air Forbes and dispersed for tho day. Akaroa.—There was a general holiday for Empire Day, which was favoured with magnificent, weather. The annual athletic sports was held in tlie recreation ground. The chief events resulted as follows:—100yds, J. Hayward ; Grand Handicap. Richard Young; mile flat, B. Flynn ; 880yds flat, P. Guldens.

Auckland.—-A feature of tbo celebrations was a review of tho cadets by the Governor in A'ictoria Park. The weather was fine and thero was a large gathering of tho public. The parade included 1200 cadets, 100 veterans and 50 boys from the Pioneer, nearly all New Zealand boys, and a contingent from the permanent force. His Excellency delivered a speech appropriate to the occasion.

Napier.— I Tho day was observed ns a close holiday- in Napier, and there were good attendances at football sports in Napier and a hockey tournament and football sports at Hastings. Hastings. —Empire Day was observed as a. close holiday. The weather was fine. Four hundred players took part in a hockey tournament, and there, was a big attendance at the Hastings Rugby Sub-Union’s Empiro sports.

AA’angamii.—Empire Day was only observed by a. few as a general holiday, and all tlie shops were open. Tho prin-

cipal attractions were the races and the saluting of the flag and functions at the schools. The weather was showery. Feilding.—Empire Day was observed .a* a, holiday by the majority of tho

riioplteepere. The flag was officially saluted and speeches delivered at the public schools. Otherwise the day was quiet. Wellington.—There was no celebration of Empire Day. The Government offices and schools were dosed. The Queen’s. Statue was decorated. Blenheim.—The weather was beautiful for Empire Day. The holiday was not observed, the only celebration being the saluting of the flag by the school children and addresses by members of the school committee. Nelson.—The weather was tine for Empire Day. No general holiday was obsorved. The Minister of Education was present at the saluting of the flag by the boys of the Central School. Timaru.—A brief ceremony was held in celebration of Empire Day. The school cadets paraded and saluted the flag. Cheers were given for the King, the flag and the Navy. The weather was beautifully fine for the holiday. Dunedin.—The weather was beautifully fine for Empire Day. A close holiday was observed, and tho children assembled at tho various schools and saluted the flag, and then marched to tho Triangle, where addresses wer© delivered by the Mayor and others, after which wreaths were laid on the troopers’ memorial in the Southern Oval. At night a mass patriotic meeting was held in the Garrison Hall. CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY. AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE. SPEECH BY ADMIRAL POORE.' United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. (Received May 24. 11.35 p.m.) 1 SYDNEY, May 24.

Empire Day was celebrated in gloomy weather, and outdoor functions were somewhat marred by rain, which fell in the morning, hut cleared in the afternoon.

Admiral Sir Richard Poore, speaking at the Royal Exchange, said that a year ago Britain had held unchallenged the proud title of mistress of the sea. She held the title still, but it was no longer unchallenged. They were brought face to face with, the fact that under certain conditions the peaceful command of the seas might be endangered. They must strain every nerve and gladly make any sacrifice so that their command of the sea should bo recognised as absolute. Germany had reached the point of being able to build as speedily as Britain, so that in three years from now she would have an equal, il : not a superior, force of battleships of the latest type ready for sea. While the Triple Alliance existed: Germany was the Power in northern] seas and Austria, and Italy in the Mediterranean, and both the latter Powers were building Dreadnoughts. Any disaster to the British fleet in the North Sea or the English Channel imperilled the safety of the Empire. This fact held equally good in regard to the Mediterranean. In either case the routes to the East and Australia would be cut. Ho did not speak as an alarmist or a. pessimist. He simply put forward Iris opinion as a naval officer speaking on his own responsibility. They had looked a grave crisis in the face in the past, and the race was never at its best until it was faced with an emergency. Why a state of things which threatened their existence as an Empire should suddenly have been brought to pass was a matter difficult to understand. If there were two races in the world which should march side by ride they were the British and the Teutonic races. Both were mercantile in their instinct, both had world-wide experience, both aimed for the settlement, of a great population, whoso instincts and feelings were almost identical. Considering the capital invested in the world’s affairs by tho British and Teutonic races, should either fail there would be a worldwide financial catastrophe. What power for good' would ensue from the two races meeting in commercial rivalry. Instead of this peaceful competition there unfortunately existed at present extraordinary and acute military antagonism, for which he could not but think there had been excuses on both sides. The present crisis must bo met by the, co-operation of the Mother Country and the colonies in the naval scheme put forward. Australia should resolve to meet the danger which was common to all parts of the Empire. Tho Dreadnought movement showed keen appreciation, of the fact that tho first and foremost necessity was the command of the sea. The scheme to provide a torpedo flotilla would give a great advantage in the defence of Australian ports or ns an auxiliary to the main fleets if they were ever engaged ill Australian waters, but the true defence of Australia lay in tho capacity of the main fleets of the Empire to overpower the main fleets of ail enemy. Whatever form naval defence for local purposes might take, it must be under Imperial control. The personnel must be trained by Imperial officers and men, and there must. he a constant flow of officers and. men, Australian or otherwise, passing from the great naval manoeuvre grounds. There could bo no divided control. Naval defence could only mean “one fleet, one flag.” The third scheme of an Australian navy was one that it was not the time to discuss. Tf Australia cculd build fifteen Dreadnoughts or the equivalent, in the next five years for duty in the Pacific, and equip them, well and good, but the period with which they were concerned was tho next five veare. They must act now and that word “ now ” must bo spelt in capital letters. If they were united and realised that, they would in the end hold their own. If they were not united, or if they let matters drift, each of them would be more or less responsible should disaster occur. , IMPERIAL DEVELOPMENT. MR CHAMBERLAIN’S VIEWS. TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALAND. (Received May 25, 12.55 a.m.) ' LONDON, May 24. The “Standard,” in a seventv-two-page Empire Day number, publishes articles on all phases of Imperial life. The Commonwealth States and New Zealand have large advertisements. Mr Chamberlain contributes a special letter, in which lie says: “Our great aggregations of humanity aro scaling a new bond whereby we follow the same interest under the same flag. This must of necessity commence with defence. Commercial union will probably precede political union. New Zealand’s offer, which was received somewhat ungraciously by. the Government.. is a new feature, equivalent to a contribution of eighty millions sterling from Great Britain. It is not only munificent in itself, but it also shows the price tho dominion places on the maintenance of tho present standard of naval defence. Henceforth the eleven million Britishers overseas must bo considered with ourselves. This feature of British development must involve an entire change in our public life and its object.”