EMPIRE PROUD OF ANZAC

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9267, 7 February 1916, Page 5

EMPIRE PROUD OF ANZAC

AN EPISODE OF HOMERIC GRANDEUR MR FISHER ON MOTHERLAND AND THE DOMINIONS. By Telegraph-—Press Association—Copyright, (Received, February 6, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 6. Mr. A. Fisher, the new Australian Agent-General, was banqueted by the Agents-Genoral, at a big gathering, including Sir Thomas MacKeilzle. Mr Bonar Law, secretary for* the Colonies, in moving the toast of the evening, referred to the important part played by the Dominions in the war. He said that onr enemies never expected them to render such help. Everybody throughout the Empire was proud of Anzao. Gallipoli was enshrined for ever by what the Australians and New Zealanders had done. Gallipoli looked down on the plains of Troy; but nothing whereof Homer sank could exceed in nobility and glory the deeds of the gallant Australians and New Zealanders. The campaign had not succeeded,- but It had not been in vain. It would be remembered forever as the beginning of the growth to manhood of Australia and New Zealand. ■ ; ,

Mr Bonar Law added;—“We waited anxiously to hear wbat Australasia would say regarding the evacuation, and though it has been a disappointment there have been no reproaches. It is not too much to say that the deeds of tho Australians and New Zealanders aremore familiar to the people of Hngtain than the work of some of our own regiments. It has been said that we are a decadent people, but tho fact that wo are prepared to pay to tho last sacrifices for the honour of the old flag disproves this.

“We shall see this through to the end—to a emJceeaftil end—as in times past We have seen other things through. The issue is whether free institutions and everything for which they stand can survive against the iron rule of military despotism. The principles of this country are not naturally the best instrument for war. They have to he adapted thereto. It is because of this that there has been so much talk, though I will not admit that it is dejerred talk, about onr ‘muddling through.’ ”,

Lord Kitchener paid a tribute to the Australasians’ and New Zealanders’ splendid efforts to assist the Motherland, Justifying their defence policy. No troopa fought with greater determination and bravery. After his visit to An zee he liad the utmost admiration for their wonderful exploits. The Emufre need never be afraid while she has such men.

Mr Fisher, in responding, said that Australia wanted, not praise for what she had done, onlv to help the Motherland-to win the war. Australia had two messages for the enemy. The first was that from all corners of the Commonwealth recruits were' pouring in. and the. second was the large oversubscription of the war loans. He would gladly join the representatives of the other Dominions in giving his service and advice, either bv consultation in council or otherwise. The present was not the time for criticism, hut the time, has come to cease regarding the colonial as. an exotic.

“You ought to tell tho Dominions what you really mean.” said Mr Fisher. He thought that the hast results wmiM come from one of those free talks 1 which have done so much to weld the Empire.