BONDS OF EMPIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23516, 2 June 1938, Page 12

BONDS OF EMPIRE

' ROYAL FAMILY’S INFLUENCE SIR EARLE PAGE’S TRIBUTE LONDON, May 25. "The real reason why our Royal Family occupies a high and unique place in the hearts of the people is its well-remembered acts of kindness and love,” said the Australian Minister of Commerce, Sir Earle Page, in submitting the toast “The Royal Family ” at the combined Empire societies’ banquet. “ We find as we travel,” added Sir Earle, “that the real, bonds holding the British Empire together are the ties cf common loyalty and affection to the Crown and the Royal Family. “ The rigid legal constitutional blinks have grown thinner and thinner until it is doubtful whether they exist, but the sentimental flexible links of loyalty and affection grow stronger each day. "Foreigners might well ask the reason for this scattered Empire’s spontaneous affection and loyalty. It .is surely because the Royal Family, although worshipped in all parts of ithe world, do not permit themselves repose, and do not merely carry out .official and formal duties, but ceaselessly demonstrate their real interest in the people’s every-day life and welfare.” “ The Crown is more than gold and jewels; it is a link binding the ideals of the British Commonwealth , of Nations,” said the Duke of Kent, 4 in replying to the toast. “ Unity does not mean merely the Empire’s response in time of need; Jf the Empire is to continue to exercise its great influence we must maintain that unity consistently in every phase of its development, for it is the corner-stone of the Empire’s fabric.”