DOMINIONS AND THE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16097, 10 December 1915, Page 8

DOMINIONS AND THE WAR.

VALUE OF GREAT HELP.

LORD LANSDOWNE'S TRIBUTE

THE COLONIAL TROOPS.

(Received December 9, 11 p.m.)

London, December 9.

A striking speech was made by Lord Lansdowne, a member of the Cabinet, without portfolio, at a meeting of the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Societies yesterday. In moving a vote of thanks to the Overseas Dominions for their splendid help in response to the Red Cross appeal, he said that the munificent contribution had resulted in a vast alleviation of suffering. Their generosity, which had been tested in the past, had again been proved in a remarkable degree, remembering their many domestic calls. Their lavish contributions showed that the people of the dominions had confidence in the manner in which the funds were administered-

Help from the Overseas Dominions must not, he said, be measured by the money contributions, because they made a magnificent contribution to the vast hosts of men who were fighting all over the world. The former estimate of the British expeditionary force for a European struggle, he proceeded, was from 60,000 to 70,000 men, but the position had changed. Australia and Canada had each sent 100,000 to the fighting field. South Africa had accomplished her own brilliant campaign and was now sending contingents to other theatres of war, whilst New Zealand had sent over 25,000 men to the front.

"It is not only the numbers, but also the quality of the Dominion troops, added Lord Lansdowne, " that has won admiration. Notable despatches have recorded their services, and nobody reading Sir lan Hamilton's account of the landing at Gaba Tepe on April 25 would ever forget the conduct of the Australians and New Zealanders. The Dominions had provided a still more valuable asset of moral strength by their unstinted support of our cause. More than anything else that has happened during this protracted war this has strengthened the Empire in the estimation of the world."

Colonel Wilson complained of the conspiracy and intrigue, which, he said, was pouring the poison of disloyalty into the arteries of our national life, but this virus of corruption was innocuous in our great overseas possessions. After the war what the Dominions had done would remain in imperishable letters. "I am convinced," he said, " that the effect upon the destinies of the Empire will be lasting and incalculably great."