THE NATION'S FUTURE

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1347, 20 June 1911, Page 5

THE NATION'S FUTURE

MR BALFOUR DREAMS DREAMS. BUILDING UPON A SOLID BASIS. . (Press Association—By Telegraph.— Copyrifrhu. London, Yesterday. Mr Balfour, presiding at a, luii*•oheoii! at the Constitutional Club in honor of the Oversea Premiers, rejoiced that the 'latter should honor the club. Tire Premiers themselves wera party politicians, and kn'ew tiro party system .was essential to tiro working of free institutions and re-prcK-ntative Government. Therefore, all were aware the party system was not inconsistent with national unity. They welcomed them at a party gathering, as tli.n was in no party spirit, but recognising their business here cm:M only be conducted 1 through the Government of the country for tiro time being at their visit. They were ■ concerned in the dwelopnmt of tiro greatest experiment ever made, in government- by man. The time might come when the great and growing Dominions would feel it preferable to go their own way, like adults of a family. That might happen; the worldly-wise would say it was probable, yet he thought there mas a higher and better way. He dreamed other dreams for the future, He thought they thoroughly realised that in every cominumity of the Empine each was to manage its own affairs, mid carry out its own life, and -make its own experiments as a political atom. It was upon that solid basis they had Wit up something the mould had never seen, a coalition of free, self-governing communities. He was qouscious they were merer more masters of their own fate than when atecognising they were parts of a great whole. He saw tho beginnings today whereof .posterity would see dta full fruition. Such conferences as those now proceeding would help towards the realisation of the ideal of the great cause, wherefore tho visitors were laboring. Sir Wilfred Laurier, in responding,- said the Ca'nadfens hoisted tho policy of British preference at the top of the mast, there to stay. Reciprocity with tho United States would not involve tho slightest danger to the Motherland interests. Whatever privileges were granted to ottos would bo given equally to Britain. 1 The British Empire League anld Science Guild banquetted the oversea visitors at the Savoy. The Dule of Devonshire plresid'ed, and 300 wore present. Doctor Waiweu, master of •MagaV len College, referred to Mr Fisher's refusal to accept the Oxford degree, and thought the sentiment of Burns right, yet the "guinea stamp" wm not to be despised. Mr Fisher replied it was not be■qaiuse of false modesty, but because ■of his youth- and othetr disabilities that hie asked to be excused from the honor. The oonfeu'euce was already fruitful of good results. The British 'Government had -minted, the detegaws to their very fireside., and a.sked them to come right inside and -learni what they intended doing for the protection of all parts of the Empire. The Australian Government would give the establishment of a solar observatory cordial and favorable consideratiom