A FRIENDLY GESTURE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 10, 11 December 1930, Page 6

A FRIENDLY GESTURE.

“In memory of an honoured friend and fellow citizen of the Empire.” These were the words inscribed on a wreath that recently was placed on the grave of the late Mr Massey on behalf of the Canadian Club of Vancouver by a visitor from the sister Dominion. On Tuesday, at Invercargill, the Minister of Internal Affairs, acting for the Canadian Club, placed a wreath on the grave of the late Sir Joseph Ward, containing, no doubt, the same inscription. Both gentlemen were at various times when travelling to or from the Old Country on Imperial missions entertained at Vancouver by the Canadian Club, and it was a very friendly gesture on its part to place wreaths on the graves of the departed statesmen. There is a wealth of meaning in the words, “fellow citizen of the Empire',” and the pride the Roman of old found in his citizenship is exemplified in the British Empire to-day, the people of its component parts being all citizens of the greatest Empire the world has known and whose influence for good is as unbounded as its furthermost shores. It is these gestures of friendship between the Dominions that strengthen the bonds of Empire. Whether it is the laying of wreaths on memorials or the visits exchanged by football or athletic teams, all play their part in keeping the Empire indivisible.