THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, MAY 24, 1920. EMPIRE DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17943, 24 May 1920, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDA Y, MAY 24, 1920. EMPIRE DAY.

The British Empire is so constructed that "it may be said to be of gossamer fabric and yet it is so strong that nothing that we have suffered during the strain of «, five years' war of unprecedented severity has weakened a strand or a thread in a strand in its composition. Its strength is found in that sentiment which is expressed in our homes, in our industries, in the relationship between its various constituent elements. The foundations of our vast Empire were laid by those who ventured' forth in* faith, not knowing whither they went, but hoping to bring back a record of achievement that would add lustre and fame to the country of their birth. By their discoveries and their accomplishments they added to its national wealth. But something more than material wealth was woven into ths fabric of Empire. The last resting places of those adventurers who did not return tell how they laid down their lives in their efforts for the country. From Arctic to equator, and from equator to Antarctic, the floors of the oceans are strewn with the bones of those who took great risks, with everything to lose and little or nothing to gaiiu, in some cases, but all with a sense of venture for their coun'try's sake. New Zealand was colonised and settled by adventurous men and women such as these. They faced unknown perils and made sacrifices, and their service has brought nobility and greatness to the Empire. They have made our history, and we in our turn, while enjoying the results of their labours, make our own contribution to the history of the Empire. There is scarcely a country on the face of the globe which does not contain the graves of those who ventured forth on behalf of Great Britain, —gallants who loved their country, and served it to the uttermost. Our history peoples our thoughts with a noble army of women and men who, inspired by love of their country, strove to fulfil some mission of service from which it might benefit. Missionaries and pioneers, traders and merchants, statesmen and soldiers, sailors and scientists, all have written their chapters in the Imperial story, and it is fitting that on this Empiro Day we should honour their memories. The names of an illustrious few fill prominent places along the road, but the gaps are filled in with other names that have been honourably associated with the service of their country. Boadieea and Oswald, Alfred the Great and Edward the Confessor, Elizabeth and her distinguished court, Nelson and Wellington, Victoria and Edward the Peacemaker—these are among the names which at once suggest themselves along with those of rulers and statesmen, explorers, scientists, and inventors by whom the Empire has been built. The captains of our industries have supplied tho means for the opening up of the avenues of transport, for the creation of cities and harbours, railways and steamships, and the establishment of factories and hives of industry. Nor should we forget the man who. with faithful skill and honest labour, has addod to the greatness of

our Empire. The name of Great Britain has in the past had an enviablo reputation for honest labour in her industries, and the British workmon have themselves rendered yeoman service for the sake of the Empire. The commercial credit of Great Britain amongst the nations of the world has been won by the honesty and integrity of her merchants, which even now remains a valuable national asset. An Englishman's word lias been regarded as his bond, and it is the experience of those who travol the world that thb is still so to-day. Moreover, the homes of the people mako an important contribution to the strength of i.ho Empire. The King has declared his conviction that the foundations of 'onr national greatness lie in the home. The statement is one which expresses a profound truth. Each home is either a sourco of strength to the Empire or else a charge upon the State. Wo are either contributing our share to tht furtherance of the Empire- for which thousands have died, or else we are a tax upon it. Each one must take stock of his share in the matter. Empire Day affords the appropriate opportunity for so doing. Each one must realise to what extent he or she is ] responding to the test of citizenship. The great Imperial Ambassador who came amongst us a few days ago, almost a stranger except in name, has, by dint of nis gracious, captivating personality been performing a tremendous serncp to his country and to ours.. If the fabric of Empirb is being woven closer thau it ever was before, and is being woven so strongly that ifc will bear a greater strain than was imposed upon it even during the past five years of national and Imperial effort, it will be to the Prince of Wales that this effect will largely be due. The Prince's name of Edward brings up memories of the histories of other Edwards who have made England great; his names of George, Patrick, Andrew, and David link us all in one ir.emory of the patron saints of the United Kingdom of Great' Britain and Ireland. To each one his charming personality makes' a call for citizenship worthy of the vast Empire of whioh the Royal House stands as a symbol. To fear God, honour the King, and love brotherhood, —such, as we may fittingly be reminded on this anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, is the duty required of us as loyal members of the Imperial family.