UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 21

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

MEETING OP PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION.

(By Cable.)

The Empire Parliamentary Association, on the motion of Mr Walter Long (Secretary of State for the. Colonies), passed a resolution expressing admiration at the manner in which the overseas nations had provided men, money, and material. The overseas democracies had risen to a full appreciation of their responsibilities, and the association . was convinced that the sacrifices and sufferings endured would result in an even more complete understanding between the Empire Pai-liaments. The Right Hon. J. W. Lowther (Speaker of the House of Commons), who presided, paid a tribute to the prowess and daring of the overseas troops. When the clash of arms ceased great constitutional questions would arise, and he hoped the association would play an important part in the organisation, policy, and administration between the Motherland and the rest of the Empire.

Mr Long said it was the duty of the Empire to prepare for closer union. The holding of an Imperial War Cabinet was a great step forward. How great were the benefits to be derived none yet realised. In an immense Empire with tremendous potentialities we wanted to make greater use of its brains. The great self-governing nations were not jealous and were not afraid, but were tenacious to control their own affairs, which they would never give up. Nobody had yet indicated the lines on which federation would really go. Mr Long said there must not ,be an undue hurry, but they must give the subject the fullest attention. The main suggestions must come from the self-govern-ing peoples. We would be thankful to see at our right hand representative Ministers from overseas.

Mr Herbert Samuel, in seconding the motion, said that something in the nature of an Imperial executive was wanted, with consultative and initiative powers, leaving the enactment to the various sovereign bodies of the Empire. Mr Adamson, speaking on behalf of Labour, said that the way overseas democracies had acted in the war was an objectlesson to the whole world. The bond of race had stood a strain which had surprised their enemies, while Labour overseas had played its part. It was vitally important to the Motherland and the Allies that the dominions might have a greater share in shaping the Imperial policy. &