FOSTERING IMPERIALISM

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15236, 25 February 1913, Page 9

FOSTERING IMPERIALISM

THE OVERSEAS CLUB. ORGANISER'S TOUR CONCLUDES. The honorary worfd's organiser for the Overseas Club, Mr. Evelyn Wrench, delivered a farewell address in the concert chamber of the Town Eall last evening. Mr A. M. Myers, M.P., president of the Auckland branch of the club, presided. in apology for non-attendance was received from the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey). Mr Wrench, in the course of a comprehensive address, said he had spoken to 75 meetings in various centres in New Zea]>nd. and everywhere had met with the best of receptions. He had noted with cv ide the fact that New Zealand was shouldering its extra burden of defence without complaint, and he was also pleased to see the whole community so happy and contented. From his observations* be was convinced that in none of the other of His Majesty's dominions was more Imperialism shown than in New Zealand. The Overseas Club was firmly established, and of the total of 105,000 members throughout the world, 15,000 jived in New Zealand. The club had been started only as far back as August 71, 1910, but it was now the strongest nonparty organisation in His Majesty's dominions. Ho dealt further with the extension of the society, and said that it 'was by keeping the British Empire up to the highest pitch that peace would be assured. Miss Wrench also spoke, and emphasised the fact that it was character that had made the British great. With the greatness, however, had come large responsibilities, and these must not be shirked. New Zealand men were setting a splendid example. Women, she considered, could do their share by endeavouring to make the home as happy as possible, and by educating their children in Imperial matters. Members of the club in New Zealand had clone much in the way of helping the poor at Home by gifts, and* this support, she understood, was to be continued. In conclusion she expressed the hope that the local branch would -?ork not only for its own district but also for New Zealand and the Empire. The Mayor (Mr. C. J. Parr) spoke briefly, while Mr. Horace Hunt and Dr. Hope Lewis also addressed the meeting.