EMPIRE DAY IN ENGLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13498, 27 May 1907, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY IN ENGLAND.

MR. BENT AND GENERAL BOTHA. By Telegraphs—Press Association.—CopjrfigJA ".■ /■ti'j, Ottawa, May 24. The London Stock Exchange opened * business on Empire Day by singing the National Anthem. . (Received May 36. 4.3? v.ta.) London, May 25. Addressing 4000 Ealing scholars on Empire Day, Mr. Bent, the Victorian. Premier, referring to the enthusiastic demonstrations in General Botha's honour, declared that the Australians would not have shouted themselves hoarse and fluttered whit© handkerchiefs, but would have remembered the sorrowing widows and the wooden legged and armless men in their midst. He hoped General Botha would keep his promises and that the Transvaal would prove in , : the future as good a friend of the Motherland as Australia had been and was. Referring to his "kiddie " guard of honour, Mr Bent declared that thousands of Australian cadets would be willing to show the stuff they were made of if the Empire needed their services. , The children sang ''Rule Britannia," and Mr. Bent caused great laughter by declaring his belief that Britons were the biggest slaves of ' the lot.. (Received May 26, 4-54 p.m.) London, May 25. Some 3800 schools participated in the Empire Day rejoicings, which in ; London and the provinces were i marked by unprecedented enthusii asm.