OVERSEAS PARLIAMENTARY VISITORS

Nelson Evening Mail, 2 August 1916, Page 5

OVERSEAS PARLIAMENTARY VISITORS

A GOVERNMENT BAJS T QUET. (Australian and Gable Association.) LONDO'Nt, Aug. 1. .Mr Asquith presided at the Government banquet to the overseas Parliamentary representatives at Lancaster House. Thez-e was a. big attendance of statesmen and others, including the Archbishop of 'Canterbury,, Lord Islington ajid the High Commissioners. Mr Asqxuth, referring to the guests' visits to the British front and; the Fleet ', said that visit was opportune. After long stagnation, the operations had. taken a decisive turn, and it was a great moment i*or <as, though there 'had been no change in qualities, strategical skill, tactical adroitness, or individual, courage.

"You have seen the actual realties of war," 'he added. "Few of your fellowcitizens have had the same privileges. .Therefore take the Mother Country's •message to her • children. Vast and terrible as is the ordeal of war, Britain and the Dominions have been called to take their stand in the supreme struggle for freedom, and justice. The blood we are shedding side by side means new life and is the •pa'omise of an immortal future for the imperial household." Sir Jame.s Carroll, in replying,- said no Ministry had been confronted with a more tremendous issue than that of the Dominions. He hoped they would-, remember their views upon the affairs of the Empire and act (rightly in finding a tangible solution.