HELPING THE EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15770, 19 November 1914, Page 9

HELPING THE EMPIRE.

NEW ZEALAND'S SHARE.

POSITION STATED BY PREMIER.

[BY TELEGRAPH.PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Dunedin, Wednesday.

The Prime Minister addressed a large audience at South Dunedin Hall to-night, at the conclusion of the maiden political speech given by Mr. T. Dalton, the Reform candidate for Dunedin South. After congratulating Mr. Dalton on his speech, he said he would like to add a few remarks to the candidate's references to the 1 war. He wanted to remind them of this, that it was the first time that the Do- ] minion had heard the call of the Empire for assistance. New Zealand had been the first of the Dominions to come to the assistance of Britain in the crisis which had arisen. They were the first to send their soldiers on active service, and the first to take possession of foreign territory. (Loud applause.) Xot only that, but they had in their first expeditionary force for Europe 9000 men, some of the best and bravest sons of New Zealand. (Applause.) They should remember, continued Mr. Massey, that the present fight was a fight for their Empire and for themselves. Their very existence depended on the war being brought to a successful issue. The Dominion might bo called upon to assist Britain and her allies in making a determined effort to bring the war to a conclusion by sending further troops. If that were necessary, he felt absolutely certain that New Zealand would be true to her traditions, and if 10,000 or 20,000 rr.in were needed they would bo glad to send them. (Loud applause.)

A Voice : When are you going? Mr. Massey: I am ready to go tomorrow, but the country cannot do without me. (Cheers.)