NOT THE PIVOT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12434, 30 April 1926, Page 9

NOT THE PIVOT

AN ILLUSION DISPELLED . NEW ZEALAND’S POSITION A TALK ON WEMBLEY An idea of the extent of Wembley Exhibition—with its vast acreage and exhibits representing 460 millions 'of people-y-together with an idea of its educational value, was conveyed to members of the New Zealand Club at a luncheon yesterday by Sir Alexander Roberts, who was New Zealand Commissioner there. “I think we are a little prone to think that New Zealand is the pivot of the Empire, and it requires a visit to Wembley to convince us that we are a very small—though very important—part of the British Empire,” he aaid. "New Zealand is only a part of a very great responsibility, and although we do not figure as largely as we would like, X know that in the hearts of the people of the United Kingdom New Zealand stands right on top. There is none that stands higher.” The buildings at Wembley had been more or less of a permanent nature, and now that the problem faced the authorities of how to get rid of them, he thought the liberal use of explosives would have to be employed. Sir Alexander described the vast extent of the buildings, and then went into the cost of the buildings and grounds. In view of the heavy expense and the manner in which the whole structure was erected, a financial success was out of the question. The attendance in the first year had been l?i millions, and although 30 millions were expected, he personally did not think this possible. On the day upon which the record attendance was registered. some 340,000 people passed through the turnstiles, and after these had left at night over 300 tons of rubbish had been collected. It was a great sight. After touching upon the catering and the amusements, the speaker dwelt for a moment upon the educational value of the exhibition. Before the exhibition many people knew the Empire only as a string of names, knew nothing of its products—nothing of its potentialities. Great crowds came from the outlying manufacturing districts all over England, and these people were brought closely into touch with the significance of British trade. Children had come in thousands, and had learned much.

It was the birth of a wave of Empire shopping, and he hoped that nothing would be done to damp the ardour of the people at Home in their desire to do this. Sometimes he entertained doubts in this direction when he refected upon some of the boards and organisations which had Been established here.

Views previously expressed upon the question of immigration were reiterated by tbe speaker, who said it was difficult to persuade the people at Hoitj€ that they wosf.lcl' have a happier time overseas than they at present enjoyed in their own land.