The Marlborough Express PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1907 OUR DOMINION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 227, 25 September 1907, Page 4

The Marlborough Express PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1907 OUR DOMINION.

To-morrow will be officially celebrated New Zealand's change of designation from "Colony" to "Dominion." There are differences of opinion as to the necessity for any change, and doubts still exist as to the wisdom of the title chosen. But the thing having been done, loyal aequiesce'nce in the change becomes a necessity. The word Colony now disappears from our vocabulary so far as New Zealand is concerned, and henceforth the lordly appellation which has been chosen for us will take its place. It is satisfactory to note that beyond the necessary official proceedings, nothing of a general holiday character will mark the event. In this matter Blenheim business men have shown their good sense, and it is noteworthy that in many other centres the tradespeople have come to the same conclusion. There is a general consensus of opinion that too many holidays are already observed in New Zealand. If the number could be reduced it.would be an advantage, but public opinion is decidedly against an increase.

The history of New Zealand from • the time when the first settlements were formed, and the Colony established, down to the present day, when the country emerges into a higher state of national existence, is extremely interesting. It has been frequently told, and many of us are still young enough for its leading incidents to be fresh in our recollection. What a record of patience, endurance, and indomitable pluck do they present! Upon another page of this issue an article by Canon Haselden gives some glimpses of what life was like in the early days, and what the pioneers of the bush had to face. Nothing daunted such men and women ; they went forth with their lives in their hands determined to conquer, the spirit by which they were actuated being of the character which admitted no rebuffs, and regarded difficulties and obstacles as only incidents to be surmounted. By their spirit of enthusiastic determination to do or die they compelled success.: Men of weaker fibre would have relinquished the task, but to their credit be it said our pioneers persevered through all adversity—wars with the i natives being an additional peril— [ till they finally made the country i what it is. a land fit for the perfect [ development of a free and en- | lightened people, rich in all the rei quirements of art and science, and lacking nothing necessary for the , the highest and most perfect development of its inhabitants. It is indeed a goodly heritage, the pride of its possessors, and a centre of attraction to poople of other climes. And so we come into our Dominion. Let us soc to it that we live up to our privileges and responsibilities, and in con-

tinuing the good work of our forefathers let us build upon their foundation a noble superstructure, which shall be alike the admiration and envy of the nations. May we be worthy sons of the good old Mother Country:

" May we find as ages run The mother featured in the son, And may ours for ever be That old strength and constancy Which has made our fathers great In our ancient Island State, And wherever her flag fly Make the might of Britain known; Britons, hold your ownl"