"THE BRITISH EMPIRE."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19206, 24 June 1924, Page 8

"THE BRITISH EMPIRE."

MR MASSEY’S MESSAGE. A STIRRING SPEECH. (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 23. For Empire Day 12 months ago their Majesties the King and Queen spoke an Empire message which was broadcasted throughout tho British Empire in December last. Advantage was taken of tho presence of Mr Massey in London in connection with the Imperial Conference to get him to give a patriotic message to tho Empire at large. This Mr Massey did, and the message has now been issued .in the form of a record entitled “ The British Empire.” On the reverse side of the record appears very appropriately the New Zealand National Anthem, “ God Defend New Zealand.” which was sung for the purpose by the well-known baritone, Peter Dawson, and a full chorus with orchestral accompaniment Mr Massey’s Empire message is the first record mode in this way by a dominion Prime Minister. Tho following is the context of tho four minutes’ record: “ Follow citizens, I propose to address to you a few thoughts on the British Empire. Its far-flung territories comprise one-fourth of the land surface of the globe. It® population numbers approximately 450.060.000, of whom a very large majority differ from us of the Anglo-Saxon races in blood, language, and colour. These people, like ourselves, glory in their British nationality, and wo hold the Empire as a sacred trust no less for them than for ourselves. Pages of history are rich with records of deeds that won tho Empire, of brave and noble acts performed on sea and land, in war and peace. The fundamental principles of freedom, justice, and independence have long been deeply implanted in our race, and to British citizens I want to stress with all the emphasis at my command what a priceless heritage is ours to-day. It is for us to preserve it untarnished, and to hand it on to succeeding generations not only inviolate. but greater and more influential in everything that makes for the good of humanity. “The dominions and dependencies of tho Empire are linked to the Motherland by ties of blood, kinship, and tradition. These tics were cemented by poignant sacrifices made in tho Great War. “ Tho Imperial Conference, at which 1 have the hounour of representing that most British of countries, the Dominion of New Zealand, is now engaged in an earnest oonsideration of tho problems that confront the Empire. Among these are questions relating to national defence, and pre-emi-nently naval defence, which is of supreme and vital importance to an Empire which has been built up and exists by s-ea power. There are many matters also affecting our commercial and industrial prosperity which are receiving close attention, especially the speeding up of our postal, telegraphic, and shipping communication, and the promotion of our inter-Imporial trade. “There is no royal road to prosperity. It must be by industry and hard work on tho part of each and every one. By this moans will the Empire fulfil what I believe to be its great mission, to spread justice, knowledge, and peace into the darkest corHers of the earth. With tho blessing of Divine Providence, with wise statesmanship on the part of its rulers, and loyalty on the part of its people, the British Empire will last for all time the greatest the world has ever seen —united nations ol Britain, one King, one flag, one Empire. “ No easy hope or lies shall bring us to our goal, But iron sacrifice of body, will, and soul. There is but one path for all, for each one life to give. Who stands, if freedom fall? Who dies if England -live ”