EMPIRE DAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18871, 25 May 1923, Page 8

EMPIRE DAY.

LOCAL OBSERVANCE. V A QUIET DAY. ' Empire Day was quietly observed in Dunedin yesterday. Municipal and Government departments, us well as numerous commercial establishments, hoisted the Union Jack, and several commemorative ceremonies were held. At 9 o’clock in the morning the local branch of the Victoria League paid tribute to the memory of Queen Victoria by placing a wreath on her statue in Lower High street, next to the Queen’s Gardens. The wreath contained some beautiful chrysanthemums, red coccineas, maidenhair fern, and holly berries, end surmounted a card bearing the inscription : “Placed by the Victoria League in ■ honour of the memory of her late Gracious Majesty . Queen Victoria, and ); the uprise of the Imperial idea in Britain.” In the afternoon the Victoria League gave an “At Home” at tho Savoy, and last evening the Overseas Club held its national meeting in Burns Hall. The Otago Education Board decided that a school holiday was not to be given, but the following recommendations wore made for observance of Empire Day:—Teachers should assemble their pupils at the usual ' time and carry out a programme consisting • of lessons in history and geography, addresses, readings, recitations, and songs of an Imperial and patriotic nature. Tho singing of the National Anthem and the saluting of the flag should form an important part of the proceedings. VICTORIA LEAGUE. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. ' /“AT HOME” IN SOMERSET LOUNGE. There was a very large attendance in the Somerset Lounge of the Savoy yesterday afternoon, when an “At Homo” was given by the Otago branch of the Victoria League in honour of Empire Day, and also for tho purpose of presenting the essay prizes won during the year. The chair was occupied by the Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley), and ' addresses were given by Miss M. H. King • (principal of the Girls’ High School), Mr P. R. Sargood, and Mr H. G Oameron flate of the High Commissioner’s Office). The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley), in the course of some introductory remarks, mentioned that apologies had been received from the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, who wished the Idague all good fortune in tho future, from Miss M. Stewart, and also from Mr justice Sim, who was unavoidably absent jh Invercargill. Continuing, lie said it gave him great pleasure, so early in his career as Mayor of the city, to preside at that meeting which had been organised by the Victoria League to celebrate Empire Day. He recognised—and he was sure they all recognised l —what a groat day Empire Day was for the British Empire as a whole. It had been inaugurated by Earl Meath in 1904 for the purpose of stimulating Imperialism and patriotism throughout the Empire, and the speaker considered that it was a happy thought on his part to choose May • 24 as the day for its celebration, because, i- as they knew, that was tho birthday of the ■great and glorious Queen Victoria. — (Applause.) Throughout the Empire to-day schools and institutions were celebrating Empire Day, and one of tho features of the day was the fact that the flag was hoisted ■ and appropriate addresses were delivered, all of which was going to do a great deal of good because the children of to-day were the citizens of to-morrow. In 1921 over 80,000 schools had celebrated Empire Day and he thought that fact spoke for itself. He congratulated the Otago branch of the league on its activities and on that very large gathering which showed in a very practical way the loyalty of members and their sentiments towards tho Empire.—(Applause.) He commended the league to all loyal citizens of Dunedin as worthy of membership.—(Applause.) In the course of an address on Books and Reading,” Miss King said the subject depended for its relevancy upon the fact that the league relied on the schools and individuals in the backblooks for the distribution of books. This distribution seemed to have an important bearing on other matters which were more or less related. The era which the name of the league commemorated—the era of Victoria—was significant . and remarkable for the enormous increase in the number of books produced as a re suit of invention, which made the printing of books cheaper and more efficient. Since the accession of that great Queen books had become more numerous, and every member of the community had been taught to read those books. Wo lived in an era that was unique in the known history cj mankind in that every member of the community could read and write, and there was a vast amount of reading material at. hand for everyone who so desired. The more one read and tho more one read discriminthe better. Reading was one of the most important recreations of our 4ay, and children were omnivorous readers when they liked. She understood that one of the objects of the league was to develop a feeling of Empire. She had been reading a very able and interesting , address given two years ago by Dr Elder, in which he said it was time that distinct and definite teaching of Empire ideals should be brought to our young, but she was not altogether satisfied about the value of distinct and definite instruction in the ideals of Empire. People learned by contact. It was not by memorising but by vocabilitv that people were educated. So far as patriotiiim and tho ideals of Empire and the well-being of the various units of the Empire were concerned could they entertain *' -very serious doubts so long as our people spoke the tongue of Shakespeare. While our language was spoken in every quarter of the globe, while the people were atudy- ' ing the history of the race, not with undue emphasis on the conqueror, but with due .emphasis on those who had conquered great fields of thought and the leaders in movements for the advancement of truth, ■while the history of our race was taugnt everywhere where our language was spoken, ' and while great books had been written m our!tongue, what need was there to gather together and say “Be patriotic”? While the .league distributed books which could teach the people to read and write the best in onr language we need have small fear that those who spoke our tongue would falter when tho day of trial came.—(Applause.) Mr P. R. Sargood, whose address followed in logical sequence upon that of Miss King, put forward a strong plea for the provision of literature for those in the country districts. He began by extending a very hearty welcome to their president, Mrs Sim who, with Judge Sim, bad been away ' for ’a period of 12 months, during which time she had not' only benefited in health : but had got in touch with the parent organisation in London. He had also to express regret that the branch had lost the services of its honorary solicitor, Mr C. G. White, who had removed to Wellington Mr Sargood went on to say that he had now to bring under their notice a matter that the executive had very much at heart, and in doing so he bad to thank Miss King for giving him a starting point. She had " told them in graceful language of tho literature that was at their command, and the point to which he wished to call attention was that the residents pf tbe city possessed advantages that were denied to thoso who lived in the country. Tho Dunedin branch of the league had decided to follow the example of Sydney and to organise througnout the province of Otago a book club for the effective distribution of literature. Much had already been accomplished in this direction' throughout the Empire, and they were setting out to try and organise something that would be of lasting benefit to those who would receive books. It did not reciuire much imagination to picture the long nights that had to be filled in by the people in the country, and it was quite possible for the league to contribute to their recreation But when all was said and done they should endeavour to combine instruction with recreation. They wanted to instruct the rising generation because the future of the country was in their .hands, and unless the children were instructed in a way that would broaden their outlook the country would not advance as it ought to do. If they ransacked their bookshelves and lura- ■ ber-rooins he was sure they would be surprised at the amount of literature that could bo made available for the use of others. All they ?sited for was the surplus in the wav of books and magazines that people .' o r o done with, and these could be led with Mrs F. Clapporton, who had set aside a room for the purpose. Mrs E. C. Reynolds was also malting arrangements for collecting a number of books for distribution Mr Sargood concluded by asking them to support the activities of the Book Club and the league itself. —(Applause.) Mr H. C. Cameron, _ who has had a very lengthy experience in the High Commissioner’s Office, said that ever since tho cry to think Imperially had gone up tho ■Victoria League had been urging them

Imperially to the uttermost ends of the earth. From London to the uttermost outposts of the Empire the league was known, and its work was recognised and respected, being of great advantage. He was connected with the league during the war, but his connection with it extended over a much longer period, because when it started operations in London he was on the Hospitality Committee. That committee was responsible for a great deal of good work in the early days of the league, and it was still doing good work. Years ago, as now, many people interested in agriculture and several other lines of business visited England, and the Hospitality Committee of the league received those visitors and gave them introductions to all classes of society at Home, resulting in great benefit to them. They recognised that the Book Club has also done a very great deal of work. The hospitality extended by the Victoria League was most unselfish. Before leaving Home he saw that fine lady, Miss Muriel Talbot, whose services to the Victoria League were recognised, and whose war were recognised by the British Government. She had enjoyed her visit to New Zealand, and would like to come out again. Miss Drayton also sent her best wishes for the success of the Teague in various parts of New Zealand. As a member of the High Commissioner’s staff he (Mr Cameron) was appointed to look after the gifts that were sent Homo. The Victoria League had taken a great deal of interest in the distress caused by the war, and, the people in the Old Country appreciated the great kindness displayed by the residents of New Zealand. He considered sometimes that they were too generous. Within a week after the battle of Jutland £7OOO was Sent Home for the dependents of those who lost their lives in the conflict, and it was part of his work to distribute the money. Ho found that if he used the money offered he would merely relieve the British taxpayers, so it was held until it could" be distributed in small sums, and it was used judiciously The distribution of clothing was greatly appreciated by the poor people. Although a great deal of money was sent Homo there was very little distress, as everyone was in employment, and wages were high; with the result that they did not need the money at the time. The money was not scattered about, as it might have been by the commissioner. It was carefully handled and judiciously spent. Mr Cameron went on to say that as immigration officer he had been greatly concerned about getting the best class of domestic servant, that he could possibly get. The Victoria League took a great interest in holoing to secure a good class of help for the ladies in the dominion, hut the matter was a very difficult one. Great difficulty was experienced in getting satisfactory girls, and the High Commissioner had a very big task, which' was, perhaps, not recognised here. When they considered that applications for passages to New Zealand to take up positions as domestic helps were received from the North of Scotland to the South of England and that the inquiries were conducted by correspondence they would realise how difficult the task was. It was very hard for the officers at Home to investigate the cases and ensure the despatch of satisfactory girls. During the two years ended August, 1922, he had provided 1200 domestic helps to ccme to New Zealand. Some people had complained about the class of girls sent out, but others had stated that they were most satisfactory. He considered that they were satisfactory. It was stipulated that the girls must have been in domestic service for two years and must be of good character and sound health. .It was a very difficult matter to allot the girls to the various parts of the dominion. Some of them had no relations here and no particular destination, and these were sent to Wellington. If any of those present required assistance he would advise them to communicate with the Immigration Department, Wellington, stating what they wanted

Mrs Sim was called upon to_ present tho prizes awarded in connection with the essay competition. She thanked Mr Sargood for his expression of welcome on her return from a very delightful trip abroad, during which they had experienced much hospitality at the hands of the League in England. Continuing, she stated that tho subject for the essay competition last year had been “The Part Played by the Early Pioneers of Otago in the Development of tho Country,” and on behalf of the League she expressed very cordial thanks _ to Mr C. R. Bossence for his services as judge.r(Applauao.) Mr Bossence, in his report on the work submitted, said that, assuming, the purpose of the League in awarding the prizes was to promote, by special study or research, an extension of the Empire, ho was pleased to report that in most cases tho matter was ample, suitably arranged, and generally well expressed, while the literary merits of a number of the essays were high. A few of tho essays from the secondary schools wore rather perfunctorily executed, lacking evidence of research and disclosing poverty of knowledge, whilst the writers of some others devoted so much space to introductions and irrolovancies as to leave too little for “the work of development "of the pioneers.” Nevertheless, he consideredthat the object of the League had been attained. Mrs Sim then presented the. prizes, which were won by *tho following:—Primary Schools—Olive M. Irwin (12 years and 8 months), South School, Oamaru, 1; Hattie M. Arthur (12 years and 4 months), NorthEast Valley, 2; Annie C. Crawshaw (12 years and 9 months). South School, Oamaru, and Agnes M‘Kay (11 years and 10 months), North School, Oamaru. h c. Secondary Schools—Cecil Norton (17 years and 7 months), St. Hilda’s, 1; Mary J. Thomson (15 years and 4 months), Columba College, 2; Linda Mathowson (17 years and 8 months), Columba College, h' c. On the motion of Professor White, the speakers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation. Mrs Sim proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and this was also carried by acclamation. Mrs Sim added that while she was in London she had had the honour of meeting tho Prince of Wales and when she recalled to him his Dunedin visit, he said he remembered the occasion of his address in the Octagon quite well. His Royal Highness had asked after the state of Mr Downie Stewart’s health, and said he was glad to hear that he was now associated with Sir Francis Bell. He hoped Mr Stewart was keeping well, and, if she was writing to Dunedin, he honed that she would convey that message to him.—(Loud applause.) The gathering was then entertained at afternoon tea. PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION AT BURNS HALL. ADDRESS BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. A patriotic demonstration in connection with Empire Day was given at the Burns Hall, last evening under the auspices of the Overseas Club. There was an excellent attendance, and the proceedings were marked with the greatest enthusiasm. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley) said that tho Dunedin branch of the Overseas Club had mot that night to celebrate Empire Day. He thought that it was tho Earl of Meath who had inaugurated this great day, and it was most appropriate that May 24 should be chosen as the date for holding it. Empire Day gave them an opportunity of showing their loyalty to the Empire, and also their reverence for the name of Queen Victoria.—(Applause.) Continuing, the speaker said that he thought every member of the community should be a member of their club. At the present time they had 450 members, and there was no reason why this number should not be largely augmented. Mr Tapley concluded by. expressing his gratification, as president of the club, at seeing such a large gathering present. Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good bellow,” and cheers, said that he must thank the Mayor for too kind remarks he had made in introducing him that night to speak at the commemoration of a very important day in the British Empire. He had been very pleased to come to Dunedin to address them, and try to keep alive.—an almost unnecessary thing in tin's country— Empire Day. He had had the pleasure on two occasions in tho Old Country of being associated with Lord Meath, who was responsible for the . inauguration of Empire Day. He was going to ask them that night what was the position of the British Empire—not only at present, hut ever since thev could remember. There was no other such combination in tho world, nor was it. possible for any other country to bring about the eonal of the composition of the British Empire at present.—(Applause.) It was the only combination in the world that could say that it hod six self-governing nations within its own Erppire, and, as he had said, it was not possible for any other country in the future to be able to create an empir" on the basis on which th'rirs was founded. Onlv on one hypothesis—tho t some of the nations belonging to tho British Empire were wrested from us or voluntarilv retired. Let them look at it for one moment and see what

they were. There was the old Homeland —a small island, in size about the same as New Zealand, if they took halt of Wales away. Yet it was the most powerful centre in the world to-day. There was Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Newfoundland. These were five self-gov-erning countries attached ■ to the Motherland, so they had six self-governing nations that made the British Empire what it was. How much Germany would have given to have owned any one of these portions of our Empire before the war, or, for that matter, any of the other countries. Ho would here say that these young nations in a comparatively few years, collectively, would be more powerful, from numbers of people, than the Old Country. Each of these countries could carry much larger populations. At the present time the population of these six self-governing nations totalled about 61,000,000. What was 50 years in the life of a nation if they looked as it from a practical standpoint? New Zealand could carry' a number of people approximating to the number in the Old Country. He hoped, however, that they would never have such a number, because to-day the people were struggling to get away and come out hero because of the pressure in Britain. But the young nations were destined in the years t- come to have their nationhood developed by on enormous increase in their pop ulatious. .What a thing it was to realise the importance of the trust, the heritage, that w-- io be handed down, and the responsibility placed on those who governed and directed to keep together their countries with the thousands of miles of ocean between them—to keep them one in sentiment, one in effort, and one in loyal attachment.—(Applause.) There had recently been a tremendous growth in Imperial questions—the world’s greatest war had brought about tremendous changes. What was the use of men in public life in this country or any other portion of the Empire saying: Let us get back to the pre-war condition of affairs. They could not got back to the pre-war condition. ' It was impossible. TK6 growth that had taken place during the last 10 years among the general masses of the people was of such a nature that it would bo impossible, by force or any other method, to got back to the condition before the war. This implied that they had got a now view, and a new basis must be founded. The whole Continent of Europe required readjusting. The conditions there affected every portion of the British Empire. There were 350,000,000 people in Europe with whom they could not trade, and they could not pay it wedid. And they had got to look to the condition of these 350,000,000 people. These peoples were going to have their own work to be recreated under the new conditions. Continuing, the speaker said the men at the Peace Conference in Washington had gone for a reduction in the armies and the navies because they hoped and believed that the Great War was going to result in tho prevention of future wars, and they desired to reconstitute world affairs on a now basis There was, however, only one country that had carried out the conditions of reduction 'of the navy and army effectively, and that was Great Britain. Neither Japan nor France had reduced their navies. What was the reason? Tho reason was tho altered conditions brought about by tho Great War. To day, unfortunately, practically the whole world outside of Great Britain and the United States were trying to stop themselves from being pushed into a new war, Greece and Turkey had their mouths open at each other. Russia was going to take years to get over her own troubles, which, however, was her own concern, but nevertheless were going to affect the other nations. There was trouble in Mexico, internal wars in China, and there was Japan, which could not get a place to send the excess of her population. And as a matter of fact there was Franco and Germany, although it was true that Germany was disarmed. France arid Japan hod not reduced their navies because they were afraid of the present disturbed position. Whether they liked it or" not, the whole British Empire had got to be prepared, so as not to bo in a worse position than any of these other countries. And that brought hi,m to a point which he as an individual wanted to impress on them. ’They had to realise that when the next great war took place it was not going to bo settled in the same way as the last war. It was going to be settled on a different basis to a very largo extent, and the sciences which wore pushed ahead during the war wore going to bo a new element of destruction for the aggrandisement of a few nations, because wars were not settled by the League of Nations, as they should be. He was going to give an outline of what ho had said at a representative meeting of airmen who had been through tho war and who had been called together to discuss the prospects of air development, and he was going to show what we must do in the future. In future war for the preservation of the Old Country was going to bo settled from the a : r beyond all question. At the same time he did not believe we could get rid of navies, but he believed that they should be reduced to tho smallest size possible. He had expressed the opinion at the Peace Conference —and he believed it was rather smiled at by some of the newspapers here—that the fact that a man was able to go 600 miles in tho air without stopping conveyed a lesson that could not bo ignored. He bad said then with regard to the external protection of New Zealand that we should get ready with air machines that could travel 500. 600 or 1000 miles in the event of the Old Country and other nations fighting. In the event of such a war thoso aeroplanes could go out, learn what was taking place, and bring back very 1 useful information As a result of scientific research a poisonous gas 50 times more destructive than any used during the war had been discovered. If that gas were dropped over Dunedin every soul in the place could be destroyed. It was known by the British that with the new aeroplanes they coo id have put into execution destructive bombs weighing less than 21b each. It was known that they could have gone across and killed thousands and thousands of innocent women and children, but the British, to their everlasting credit would not carry cn war like that.—(Applduse.) Scientific men hud mude aeroplanes that could be sent to a given point without a human being on board at all and that could blow the enemy to smithereens. Did thev recollect the great sea fight at Scapa Flow when the Queen Mary, which was looked upon as the finest shin in the world, was blown up as the result of her powder ; magazine bursting? An authority who was there at tho time had informed him within the last three years that a battle-cruiser which wat following tho Queen Mary passed over the snot where she had boon threequarters of "a minute before and there was no trace of the ship or of anyone who nad been on board her. If wo wanted to keep ready to meet the conditions of this scattered Empire of six nations our responsible men must co-operate and lay down u system tor application'to the individual parts and for use during an emergency under the control of one centre.-(Applause.) Me should as a community insist on the Home authorities not treating us as a lot of children, as they had done more than once in the past, by not allowing to be made public reports by capable men as to the best means of preserving the nations to which we belongeci. Secret agreements between nations were more responsible for trouble than u they had all laid their cards on the table and lei each other know what they were doing. —(Applause.) This. Empire was worth defending, and we h|d to defend it, in the event of trouble arising. Out of 25 000,000 human beings in the last great war, upwards of 7,000,000 were killed, and the ’ balance were wounded and maimed—some for life. If we were asked tor a per capita contribution for the Empire' of 10s per head it would mean about £600,000 for (his country. Including the people of Great Britain and Ireland, we could provide capital sufficient to keep the navy at the strength which the Washington Conference and future conferences might prescribe as the length to which we should go. The air fleet would be subject to changes. In this country we must keep pace with tho progress made. The unrest on the Continent was going to last some time. He did not believe that the League cf Nations was going to slop war, but it was going to have some effect in this connection if they took all the countries into the League. What was the good of keeping Germany out of the League? Let France and Germany fight out their differences on the League. That was the place. It was most, regrettable that the United States could not see her way to come info the League. Tho United States, England, Franco, and Japan in con junction could prevent any other country from going to war. As regards France's action in (lie Ruhr, ho conscientiously believed that. Fiance was right. Their soldiers were at one in this belief. They knew that France had had her country devastated, she had lost more men than any other country, and she had not received any duo compensation. “Ladies and gentlemen,” continued the speaker, “I think that the French are right. I have not met one soldier who has returned to New Zealand who does not. hold the samp omnion. and these men are iriirhtv good Judges.”—(Applause.) They had now had five years of neace, and thev were just as far off a settlement, as thev u-erg- when the Peace Treaty was signed. Thrive Imd never been in the history of the world difficulties as great as existed in the Motherland to-day, and the basis of the trouble was d"e to Germany. The British taxes were three to four times as

great as those of Germany, and her great merchant kings had been getting ready for the commercial war they were going to have in the years to come. The greatest war they were going to have was the commercial war when Germany tried to wrest trade from Britain. France, and America. The Germans should be made to pay all that, they could afford to pay.—(Applause.) That was all. Arid if they did that then they would commence to see the rebuilding of (he world upon a proper basis. they were forced to come down to bedrock and to examine the position and realise difficulties.- and they should loyally co-operate with the Home authorities with the faith and hope that they might be able to avert wars for generations to come. Sir Joseph Ward was warmly applauded on resuming his seat. On the motion of Mr J. H. Walker, seconded by Mr Barrowclough. Sir Joseph was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his very interesting and instructive address.

LOYAL RESOLUTION. The following motion was proposed by the Hon. C. E. Statham, M.P. : —“That on this anniversary of Empire Day, we, the members of the Dunedin branch of the Overseas Club declare anew our unquestioned loyalty to his Majesty King Y as head of that Commonwealth of Nations which is known as the British Empire and which has ever stood for the highest ideals of justice, liberty, order, and good government. Wo acknowledge with grateful hearts the debt we owe to our forefathers, the founders of that Empire, and also to those who in the recent war so gloriously upheld at the greatest sacrifice its noble traditions. We reaffirm our determination to be worthy of the heritage which they have handed down to us. Confident in our belief that the aims of this club are calculated to promote the best interests of our Empire, we thankfully remember its ex-, pressed objects and repeat that as a club we exist—to help one another, to render individual service to our Empire, to maintain our Empire’s supremacy on the seas and in the air, to draw together in the bonds of comradeship British people the world over. While expressing the earnest hope that, success will crown the efforts of our Empire’s statesmen to establish peace and economic stability throughout the world, we yet realise our obligation to maintain at whatever cost those principles of freedom and justice which have been bought at so great a price.” Mr Statham said it was hardly necessary for him to make a speech. As those present were’ aware, they were celebrating the foundation and growth of the British Empire, or, as it was perhaps more properly expressed, the Commonwealth of British Nations. He believed, and he thought most of his hearers believed, that its destinies were undoubtedly guided by a higher power. When they looked back to the spacious times of Queen Elizabeth, when Drake laid the foundations of the colonial Empire, they realised that he was the instrument of a higher power. Lord Benoonsfield stood out as perhaps the greatest Imperialist the world had ever known, end when they looked back they could not help feeling that there had been a higher newer guiding our statesmen in controlling*our destinies. While we rejoiced to think that our Empire was_ great and mighty, wo must reioico to think that it stood for liberty, freedom, and justice. We know that there had been dissensions within the nation and blots on our escutcheon, but we believed that the nation stood for righteousness, liberty, and justice. He thought it would be admitted that we owed the very existence of our little country to the protecting arm of Britain, and we must realise that New Zealand could not last for a day without that great protecting arm.—(Applause;) If the time came again when wo had to struggle for our existence, wo would find' the Commonwealth of British Nations standing together with the Mother Country. Air J. W. Munro. M.P., seconded the resolution. Ho said that it gave him great pleasure Uo be there that night to second the resolution. As they wore all aware, without bringing politics into their meeting that night, he was a member of that much-despised party, the Labour Party. (Voices “No, no.”) “Thank you,” said the speaker. “I am quite amongst friends tonight.” Continuing, the speaker said mat he wanted to say that there was a ioeling abroad, no doubt put forward for political purposes, that if the Labour Party over came into power it would make for thq disintegration of the British Empire. Now he wanted to give that an emphatic denial —(applause)—and he gave it a denial with all responsibility as a member of Parliament and a member of the Labour Party. There was certainly getting in this country at least ,a tendency to bring about loyalty by coercion. This never worked with British people, and this was a British country. Ho would say to the members of the Overseas Club that so long as they would depend upon the carrying out of the resolution he was seconding, so long as the Union Jack stood as the emblem of liberty, freedom, and justice, then nothing could bring about the disintegration of the British Empire. Ho wanted to give them his assurance freely that night because he and his party had been misrepresented. That was one of the reasons which gave him so much pleasure to be there that night. He heartily endorsed all that their worthy chairman had said, and also Mr Statham when he had moved his resolution. Ho was not a man of many words—politicians never were—(laughter)—but he wanted to emphasise the point that if they were going to stand as a nation—if their country was to grow into par t of the nation, with a strict recognition of its duties to the unborn millions, then so long as they kept to these three phrases—liberty, freedom, and justice-it would be possible for some future generation to take its place in the leading nations of the world.—(Loud applause.)

The motion to carried by acclamation. A concert programme we a submitted during the evening as follows—Orchestral selections, Begg’s Orchestra (Mr T. Ritchie, conductor); song, •'Homeland,” Mr W. h’ Mackenzie; songs, “There’s a Land” and ‘The Deathless Army,” Mrs Wilfred Andrews; quartet, Messrs Angell, Cameron. Feid, and Scott; and song. “The Death ot Nelson,” Mr S. G. Angell. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. TIMES EMPIRE SUPPLEMENT. PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE. (Per UNrrnn Ptires Associaticn.) WELLINGTON, May 24. The Prime Minister has sent the following message for publication in the Empire Supplement of The Times, London, which is being issued to-day:— New Zealand is firmly linked with the Mother Country, not alone by nationality, but by common aspirations and mutual pride in a noble heritage. The British poonle are'our own family, and as in war so in neace, their kinship, though it can never be broken, may be strengthened by closer association in the whole business of life. New Zealand recognises that the new blood, which the migration of British people to British lands infuses, will keep ever fresh and pure that splendid spirit of patriotism which animates us. The traditions which we have inherited, and which inspire us, will Ire more solidly maintained by improved methods of communication, which will make deeper their foundation for_ our common good. Towards these aims of development, comradeship in meeting the did much, and we believe the same spirit will be paramount in meeting the problems of peace. Measures of practical co-operation must be designed and extended to give body and substance to the Imperial spirit. New Zealand rejoices that this need is now more clearly felt and acknowledged than ever before. The greatest need ot the Empire to-day is wider recognition of the greatness of the task confronting those leaders who by conduct and practical work have attested their loyalty to the Empire, and their firm adherence to those principles of truth, justice, and freedom Which are the foundations and the mainsprings of British life. I have no doubt that this recognition and support will be forthcoming, and that the Empire will advance in peaceful enterprise with the same courage and earnestness of purpose as it did in the war for the good of humanity. Above nil, let us' guard the Empire against insidious influences, which are ever ready to disturb the harmony of the great family of British nations whose unity and power are of such far-reaching value to the world to-day.

IMPERIAL COMMUNICATIONS. THE IMPORTANCE OF KINSHIPS. In an article in the April number of Overseas, the monthly publication of the Overseas League, Mr Humphrey F. Parker, A.F.R.Ae.S., M.S.A.E. (a son of Mr F. Parker, manager of the Bank of Now South Wales in this city), writes: — Communications affect the very existence of a country. If they are inadequate for the work required of them, the progress of the country is hindered, even its unity impaired ; if adequate, striking development follows. The British Empire has provided excellent examples of this, and even at the present moment has more concern in the improvement of communications than any other nation. Thus, Canada's wonderful progress has resulted directly from her trancontinental railroads. Without them her provinces could never have been as effectively united as they are now, nor her material prosperity as great as it is. On the other hand, there was a time when our communications proved inadequate, misunderstandings arose, and as a result we lost the American colonies. Had it been possible at that time to cross the Atlantic in days instead of weeks, differences might easily have been reconciled.

Improvements in our present communications mav not be vital to our existence, but they cannot fail to benefit us in marked degree. Most of us probably feel very thankful that we do not have to undertake the voyages our grandfathers made, spending months on a journey we can accomplish in weeks; yet how many realise that we are on the threshold of changes that will show as marked an improvement over our present methods as these show oyer those, of our grandfathers? This is not a figure of speech, .but literal fact. The steamship cut the time of the sailing vessel in four; the time of the steamship can be out in four by a mode of travel which is now possible—the airship. Even with ships already built, and not designed for commercial purposes at. all, the journey from London to Sydney could be made in 10 or 11 days. When the first specially-designed commercial airships arc in regular operation, this journey will be easily possible in nine days. These ships will have a total lift of 150 tons, and will have capacity for 150 passengers in addition to 10 tons of mail_ an d cargo. They wTI be able to maintain a speed of 60 miles an hour over non-stop journeys of 2500 miles. This brings Egypt within" two days of London. India within four days, and Capetown within five. It is difficult to realise the full significance of such a change. Firstly, it will strengthen the bonds of Empire, for more people will find time to travel, and from intercourse comes better 'understanding. Secondly, it must result in stimulation of trade, especially of trade within the Empire. Present communications are definitely inadequate for this. The dominion buyer is often forced to go to nearer foreign markets because he is unable to get the British manufacturer to understand his wants. When it is possible to get a reply by mail in one quarter of the present time much of this difficulty will be removed. Frequent personal visits by business men to their markets, which the saving in time will make practicable, will still further improve the situation. Finally, the actual government of the Empire will be facilitated, for attendance at Imperial Conferences of representatives from the distant dominions will bo a matter of ease instead of one of extreme inconvenience. Empire interests require that these meetings bo held at, frequent. intervals —say, once a year —and the saving of time made possible by the airship may make the difference between success and failure of the system. The word “airship” is used here purposely. The actual saving in time may be effected by either form of aircraft, airship or aeroplane, but in the matter of Imperial communications it is the airship which is likely to prove of most importance. This expectation is based on the fact that an airshin can make a non-stop journey of 2500 miles with ease, whereas the maximum that an aeroplane can accomplish with a commercial load is 500 miles. This moans that the airship need make only four stops between London and Sydney, the aeroplane at least 24.' The airship is therefore the logical vehicle for long-distance travel, the aeroplane for short distances. While speed of travel is thus of very great importance, it is not of practical interest unless the cost is reasonable, unless the service can bo maintained with regularity, and unless it is safe. The - stage has only just been reached when these conditions can be met. In the past there have been airship disasters, due to structural failure and to fire. The only notable case of the former was the R3B. "That ship was designed under the stress of war conditions at a time when our knowledge was inadequate. It can bo said with certainty that we are now able to provide against all eventualities likely to be met with in flight, and it should be pointed out. that no airship designed by the Germans over failed in flight from this cause. In the matter of fire the risks have also been reduced to the point where they are negligible. The danger in the past has been from petrol rather than from the hydrogen gas*. Firofe have started from the ignition of leaking petrol, which in turn has ignited the hydrogen. The danger of the hydrogen catching fire directly is re ■mete. There is a ease on record of a Zeppelin being struck by lightning without the hydrogen igniting, although the aluminium framework was fused by the heat. In future ships the danger will be removed by the use of heavy oil, such as kerosene, in place of petrol. New engines have only just been developed to accomplish this. Formerly the maintenance of a regular service was almost impossible, for an airship could only be handled on the ground in the most favourable weather, and nad to remain in its shed in anything stronger than a light breeze. Now, thanks to the moor-ing-mast, the ship can be operated under almost all conditions; it can make fast to the mast, ride at it, or cast off in any wind up to a gale, and only needs to enter its shed for an overhaul. The use of the mast also makes possible more operation. Formerly, each time an airship came to earth several hundred men were necessary to handle it—a dozen are now sufficient to make it fast to a mast. Figures as to cost of operation are much more favourable than would be imagined from the enormous bulk of the ships. At first the rates to bo charged will be about the same as present steamer fares, provision probably being made for both first and second class passengers. Even at this rate the services cannot be expected to pay for the first few years, because it will not be possible to fill the ships until the service has been demonstrated to be' both regular and safe and until the public has been educated to the advantages of the new mode of travel. It is for this reason that subsidies are asked during the demonstration and development period. Once the services are definitely established, and the ships are able to run, on an average, half-full, subsidies will no longer be necessary, and a reduction in fares may even be feasible. The possibilities in this direction may be imagined front tbe fact that the actual cost of transporting a passenger by airship will be less than a penny per mile. This is based on present figures, which are probably high, and covers all ' running costs, insurance, depreciation, overhaul, interest, etc., but assumes that the ships run full, and makes no allowance for food or service. The airship, however, will not supplant existing means of communication; if anything, it will cause increased activity, for the bulk of the trade which will be stimulated by improved communications will still Ixi carried by the steamship. The combination of sea. and air, enabling us to do our business rapidly whilst transporting our goods cheaply, should overcome in largo measure the geographical disadvantages from which our Empire suffers.