POLITICAL SCIENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7450, 26 May 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL SCIENCE

BRITAIN’S CONTRIBUTION DUKE OF CONNAUGHT ON VALUE OF CONFERENCES. By Telegraph—PreoH Association —Copyright. (Received May 23. 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 2.3. The Royal Colonial Institute banquet at tlie Hotel Cecil last evening ivas the largest and most successful in tlio history of tho institute. 1 hose present included Lord Lucas, Undersecretary for tho Colonics; Lord Denman, ' Governor-Goucral-dcsignate of Australia; Lord Strathcomi, High Commissioner for Canada; Lord Lainington, cx-Govcrnor of Queensland; Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener; the Earl of Stanhope; Sir William Hall- ■ Tones, High Commissioner for Now Zealand; tho Lord Mayor of I/ondon, Sir T. Vozoy Strong; and many prominent colonials. “ OVERSEA DOMINIONS.” H.R.n. tlie Duke of Connaught presided, and in proposing tho toast of ‘‘The Overseas Dominions” said tho Imperial Conferences undoubtedly worked for the well-being of tho Empire, welding its parts into a great and indissoluble whole. The evolution of self-government in tho dominions was one of the most important of British contributions bo Imperial science. Ho earnestly hoped the universities of tho Empire would give that theme a definite and compulsory place in their curricula for degrees for proficiency in modern history. IMMIGRATION AND DEFENCE. His Royal Highness said that, judging by statistics, the indications were that half a million immigrants would settle in Canada in 1911, making tho population of that Dominion 8,000,000. He noted with satisfaction that they were fully adopting tho Old Country’s institutions, and ho emphasised, regarding defence, Canada’s determination to co-operate closely with tho British Navy. After mentioning that Australia was seriously undertaking immigration, and referring to New Zealand’s unbroken career of prosperity, his Royal Highness mentioned that Australia and New Zealand were profiting by Lord Kitchener’s visit, and commended tho readiness of the young men to perform military service. He recalled New Zealand’s spontaneous offer of one, or two. Dreadnoughts, and its enormous effect in awakening the Motherland. Ho was more than ever satisfied that tho foundation-stone of the South African, Union had been in every sense ivell and truly laid. CANADA’S FUTURE. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, responding to tho toast, said there might be doubts arid misgivings as to Canada’s future, and some people considered they had come to the parting of the ways. Canada had no doubt as to tho way she would follow. If any existed, let all doubts cease. Canada had shaped her course, and intended to remain a nation within the Empire. Tho nineteenth century had belonged to the United States; tho twentieth would belong to Canada, which was drawing a hundred thousand people annually from the States. There was no danger of a severance of the British connection so long as tho country was given freedom, liberty, and happiness. WHAT AUSTEALLV OFFERS. Mr Andrew. Fisher said that were Australia in Canada’s fortunate position of being alongside seventy million people of similar ideas to her own she would not fear a peaceful invasion, for there was room and untold wealth within her borders. If Australia were nearer Europe she would be better understood, and would attract more of tho Motherland’s people. He hoped representative men of the United King dom would follow the example of the King and Queen, and visit and discover Australia’s necessities for themselves. PERIPATETIC GOVERNORS. Sir Joseph Ward declared that if they could have seen what had occurred in New Zealand on that Empire Day they would have seen thirty thousand cadets honouring tho flag of Old England. New Zealand realised that there could bo no better foundation of defence than by commencing with the youth in tho schools. He approved of the Duke of Connaught’s suggestion regarding the curriculum of the universities, and thought Governors and Governors-General should be instructed not to remain tho whole of their term within particular dominions, but to mako periodical exchanges. “ Why,” ho asked, “ shonld not his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught go for a few months to Australia, and then to New Zealand; and Lord Denham from Anstralia to Now Zealand and Canada? Let the British Ministers, let the whole Cabinet, com© to the dominions for a month or two in the recess!” (Laughter and cheers.) Sir Joseph Ward concluded by acknowledging Mr Harconrt’s courtesy and kindness to the Premiers since their arrival in London.