GREAT BRITAIN AND HER COLONIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10407, 3 April 1897, Page 1

GREAT BRITAIN AND HER COLONIES.

BANQUET AT THE COLONIAL

INSTITUTE.

SPEECH BY MR. CHAMBERLAIN,

DESIRE FOR CLOSER FEDERATION.

Press A ssociatlon.-KlJctric Telwnipli.-Copjrtelifc London, April 1. At the annual banquet of the Colonial Institute a distinguished gathering assembled, including the Duke of Cambridge, the Marquis of Lome, Lord Onslow, Lord lUnfurly. Earl Kintore, Lord Loch, Sir Alfred Milner, Hon. T. Brassey, Sir William Robinson, and the Agents-General of the various colonies. The Hon. J. Chamberlain presided,

In responding to the toast of the Navy, Lord Charles Beresford advocated the formation of a colonial reserve, trained on modern warships, in modern gunnery.

Mr. Chamberlain, in proposing the toast of "The Institute," said the sentiment of kinship was spreading throughout the Empire. Great progress was being made in the promotion of firm union, and Imperial Federation must eventually result as a universal racial desire, and would give expsession to the dearest wisli of colonists. Possibly some clay Britain would bo surpassed by sister nations. Meanwhile, it was their duty to keep alive the torch of Imperial patriotism. His only ambition was to promote closer unity.

The speech was loudly cheered, and is applauded by the newspapers.