FUTURE OF THE EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15496, 1 January 1914, Page 4

FUTURE OF THE EMPIRE.

ADDRESS BY LORD PLUNKET. [FROM OUB OWN COSEESPOJTOENT.]" ' London, November 21. Refebeing, at a lecture at York, J- to the political institutions of New Zealand, Lord Plunket said that women's suffrage had been in operation there for 20 years, but there was no doubt that the enthusiaß-1 tic supporters of the measure were disappointed with the. result, because,' except on the question of the pablic-houses, the women had taken very little independent action at general elections. New Zealand was the most obviously British of all the Dominions, and he looked forward to the time when it would be one of the strongest units in the confederated nations of the British Empire. Replying to a vo;e of thanks, .Lord! Plunket said:—" We have got to remember that it is quite possible, within the lifetime of our children, that the power, i the central and greater power, of the Empire may shift, and very likely will shift, from the Old Country to Canada, Australia, or, possibly, New Zealand. At her present rate of advance Canada may become in 40 or 50 years the most prosperous, richest, and most powerful part; of the whole Empire. If we do all«#| can, from our hearts and also from our minds, to encourage that feeling of true, affection and true brotherhood between all the Dominions, we shall not only : help these Dominions, but also help the Old Country herself." ..' ,