EMPIRE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3611, 29 May 1923, Page 25

EMPIRE DAY.

ADDRESSES TO SCHOOL CHILDREN ROYAL MESSAGES. AUCKLAND, May 23. llis Excellrncy the Governor-General (Viscount JcJUcoe) has received the following message whii'a their Alujesties the King and Queen have been graciously pleased to address to the children in the elementary schools of the Empire on Empire Day. May 24 . The King’s message to the children in the elementary schools of the Empire : On this day my people in ail parts of the world join to celebrate their unity, and to draw closer the common ties which hold them together. Each of our many peoples lias its own life to live, each has its own work to do. yet all are members of one family, sharing their sorrows and joys. You have learned how the Empire was built up by brave and wise men and women in the past. It is only by courage, wisdom, and unselfishness that it will endure. It is a great inheritance. Your fathers arid forefathers made it. Its future, welfare and good name are, under the providence of God, in your hands. Do not think of it as a thing far away from you. Every one of you counts, and what you do and learn now will decide how far you will be able to play your part worthily when yon grow up. Get knowledge, be brave, honourable, and kind, thinking cf others before yourself, and always play the game. Ko will you fit yourselves to hand down this community of free nations to your children and grandchildren as a great instrument for justice, peace, and goodwill, which will deserve the respect and esteem cf mankind The Queen’s message to girls in the elementary schools of the Empire: On this day of memory and hope, which is also the birthday of good Queen Victoria. this is my message to you daughters of our world-wide family of nations and peoples. Think always of what you can do to make your homes happy, and how you can best prepare yourselves to make happy homes for the generations of children which will follow you. In our vast Empire there are many kinds of homes, and many. different customs. The home which fosters clean minds and kind hearts is God’s temple ; and the spirit of a good home, whether it be rich or poor, is one of the best things in the world. You can learn many lessons at school which will help you to become wise and useful citizens of the British Commonwealth, but you can learn and practise nothing better for yourselves and all the members of the great family than the simple lessons of love, kindness, and unselfishness, which in cloud or sunshine are the strength and beauty of life. Empire Day is being celebrated in London in a manner which will bring the occasion prominently before the people of the capital. The great daily, newspapers are taking a prominent part. The Daily Express, which is holding a demonstration in Trafalgar square, cabled Mr Massey for a message for presentation to the people of Great Britain, and Mr Massey to day despatched the following message : Empire Day stands predominant as a reminder of kinship which binds the dominions to each other and to the Motherland. Freedom of thought, speech, and action, illustriously won generat qns ago by our ancestors, are laurels which the citizens of to-day share, and under which they live. New' Zealand, as the young Britain of the South, sees and feels the power which her allegiance to a great Empire gives. She stands stronger to-day than ever before in her whole-hearted determination to shoulder her responsibili- ; ties for the protection of the Crown and j the rights and liberties of the Empire. ! New Zealand knows it is Great Britain’s j aim always to see that the crowning ; achievement, the peace of the world, ' maintained. Working steadily and ten;'.- j ciously for the preservation of that, and for the principles under which it was ! secured, New Zealand asks her citizens to j be unwavering in their loyalty to King and Empire, which is the only guarantee for our heritage. Millions of our fellow citizens have held their lives as naugnt in striving for the good of humanity, for righteousness, and for freedom, and it is plainly the duty of the British peoples throughout the Empire to see that the sacrifices made, not only in recent years, but through centuries, for the good of all were not made in vain.” LOCAL OBSERVANCE. Empire Day was quietly observed in Dunedin on the 24th. Municipal and Govern ment departments, as w'ell 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, and 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 the Savoy, and in the 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 were 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. The 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 on Thursday afternoon, when an “At Home” was given by the Otago branch of the Victoria League in honour of Empire Day. and also for the purpose of presenting the essay prizes won during the year. The chair was occupied

by the Mayor (Mr 11. L. Tapley), and addresses were given by Miss AL. 11. King (principal of the Girls’ High §:.'hoolj, Mr P. R. Sargood. and Mr H. C Cameron (late of the High Commissioner’s Office). Mr P. R. Sargood, whose address fol lowed in logical sequence upon that of Miss King, put forward a strong plea for the provision of literature for those in the country districts. The Dunedin branch of the league had decided to follow the example of Sydney and to organise throughout the province of Otago a book club for the elfective distribution of literature. Much bad 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. require 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 ieague to contribute to their recrea lion. 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 rhut would broaden their outlook the country would nor advance as it ought to do. ff they ransacked their bookshelves and lum-ber-rooms he was sure they would be surprised at the amount of literature that could be made available for the use of others. All they rsked for was tire surplus in the way of books and magazines that peonle were done with. Air Sargood concluded by asking them to support the activities of the Book Club and the league itself. —(Applause.) Airs Sim was called upon to present the prizes awarded in connection with the essay competition. She thanked Air Sargood for his expression of welcome on her return from a very delightful trip abroad, during which they had experienced much hospitality at t.he hands of the League in England. Continuing, she stated that the subject for Ihe essay competition last year had been “The Part Played by the Early Pioneers of Otago in the Development of the Country,” and on behalf of the League she expressed very cordial thanks to Mr C. R. Bossence for his services as judge. — (Applause.) Mrs Sim then presented the prizes, which were won by the 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. hc. Secondary Schools —Cecil Norton (17 years and 7 months', St. Hilda’s. 1; Mary J. Thomson (15 years and 4 months), Oolumba College, 2; Linda Mathewson (17 years and 8 months), Oolumba College, h c. On the motion of Professor White, the speakers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation. 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 Hull m tile evening under the auspices of the Overseas Club. There was an excellent attendance, and tlie proceedings were marked with the greatest enthusiasm. The Mayor (Mr H. L. Tapley) said that the Dunedin branch of the Overseas Club had met that night to celebrate Empire Day. Air Tapley concluded by expressing his gratification, as president of the club, at seeing such a large gathering present. Sir Joseph AVard, who was received with the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good i’ellow,” and cheers, said that he must thank the Mayor for the kind remarks he had | made in introducing him that night to j speak at, the commemoration of a very im- ! portant day in the British Empire. He had j been very pleased to come to Dunedin to i address them, and try to keep alive—an | almost unnecessary thing in this country—- | Empire Day. He had had the. pleasure on j two occasions in the Old Country of being associated with Lord Meath, who was rej sponsible 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, but ever since

they could remember. There was no other such combination in the world, nor was it possible for any other country to bring about the equal of the composition of the British Empire at present.—(Applause.) It was the only combination in the world that could say that it had six self-governing nations within its own Empire, and, as he had said, it was not possible for anv other country in the future to be able to create an empire on the basis on which theirs was founded. Only on one hypothesis—that some of the nations belonging to the British Empire were wrested from us or voluntarily 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 half 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. He 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. AVhat was 50 years in the life of a nation if thev 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 here because of the pressure in Britain. But the young nations were destined in the years to come to have their nationhood developed by an enormous increase in their populations. What a thing it was to realise the importance of the trust, the heritage, that was to bo handed down, and the responsibility placed on thoso who governed and directed to keep together i 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.) Sir Joseph Ward

went on to refer to the tremendous growth in Imperial questions, and then turned to glance at the world problems which had to J>e faced, the possibilities of war, and cognate subjects. He concluded by saying: They were forced to come town 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 Air Burrowclough, Sir Joseph was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his very interesting and instructive address. LOYAL RESOLUTION. Ihe following motion was proposed by the Hon. 0. E. Statham, M.P. : —“That on this anniversary of Empire Day, we, the members of tire Dunedin branch of the Overseas Club declare anew our unquestioned loyalty to his Majesty King George V 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. We 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, vve thankfully remember its expressed 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 cf 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 J. W. Afunro, AI.P., seconded the resolution. He 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 L T nion Jack stood as the emblem of liberty, freedom. and justice, then nothing could bring about the disintegration of the British Empire. He wanted to give them his assurance freely (hat 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 much pleasure to be there that night. The motion was carried by acclamation. A concert programme was submitted during the evening. PRIME MINISTER’S AIESSAGE. WELLINGTON, Alay 24. The Prime Minister has sent t.he following message for publication in the Emnire S: plement 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 people are our own family, and as in war so in peace, their kinship, though it can never bo 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 soirit of patriotism which animates us. The traditions which we have inherited, and which inspire us. will be 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 enemy d : d much, and we believe the same spirit will be paramount in meeting the problems of peace. Aleasures 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 of 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 all, 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. CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY. Alay 24. (Received Alay 24. at 10.40 p.m.) Empire Day was celebrated at all the schools, and gatherings were held in various parts of the city, public men participating. In the principal gathering in the heart of the city a motion was adopted on behalf of the city pledging the citizens to do all in their power to ensure closer unity between the component parts of the Empire, and to combat anything leading tovvaids disintegration. LONDON TIMES’S VIEWS. LONDON, May 23. The Times’s Empire Number contains a leader dealing with the- Imperial Conference. It says: “There has been a welcome quickening of interest by the dominions lately. Australia stands committed to several broadly visioned schemes. Canada and New Zealand, after a period of hesitation due to various causes, are making cautious experiments. It is perhaps not too much to hope that the coming year will see- closer co-opera-tion among the authorities in this country and the Governments overseas upon prac tical possibilities in place of enthusiastic but unprofitable surmise as to the future potentialities.” The Times also gives prominence to New Zealand affairs in a two-column article which confines itself to a recital of the events and tendencies of the past

year. It refers to the perceptible but slow formation of public opinion upon domini. n responsibilities and and it devotes some space to the defence of the imported labour system in (Samoa, for the stated reason that while the posi tion is so satisfactory that opposition s now rarely heard in .New Zealand, there is still questioning on the other side of the world where the facts are not so well known.MESSAGES FROM THE DOMINIONS. LONDON, iixay 23. The Times’s Empire Number publishes the following Empire Day messages regarding the Imperial Conference: From Air Massey: “Aleasures practical co-operation must be designed and extended to give body and substance to the Imperial spirit. Now Zealand rejoices that this need is now more clearly felt and acknowledged than ever before. From Mr Bruce (Commonwealth Prime Aiinister) : “The Imperial and economic Conferences are anticipated by Australia as an all-important opportunity to define and fix a policy under which the commonwealth may advance as an independent dominion of the Empire. In moving towards a solution of the problems to be discussed at the coming conferences Australia's attitude will not be one of hesitancy. We know what we want.” From General Smuts (South African Prime Aiinister) : “The world is a smaller place than it- was. The troubles in Europe may involve catastrophes which will not leave South Africa untouched. We have the advantage, however, that We can approach them without the memory of past failures or the bitterness arising out of past wrongs, and therefore with more detachment. This, t consider one of the most promising features of the conference.” OBSERVANCE IN LONDON. LONDON, May 24. Empire Day in London was bright, but cold. Hie chief outward sign of the observance was a flag day by the Veterans' Association for the relief of ex-servicemen and the establishment of the hostel. Lord Inverforth (president of the association) placed a wreath from Princess Beatrice on the Cenotaph. He was accompanied by Airs Stanley Baldwin, the Duchess of Norfolk, and representatives of the dominions and Crown colonies. Several of the London newspapers pub lished Empire Day supplements dealing with the affairs of the dominions. May 25. Sif James Allen addressed the school children in Hackney on Empire Day. He was also the principal speaker at a large assembly of school children in the Guildhall, where he delivered a patriotic speech. Lady Allen, with other dominion representatives, laid a- wreath on the Cenotaph on behalf of New Zealand. Lord Birkenhead returned to London last evening and attended the Canadian Club dinner. In proposing the toast of the British Empire he said that statecraft was never confronted with more baffling and complex problems than the finding of new markets and the regaining of those lost in Europe, but if the problems were boldly and fearlessly faced there was no reason why the Empire should not be self-sup-porting, as was the ease in the Llnited States. The keynote of the speeches at the Royal Colonial Institute annual dinner at "the Hotel Victoria marked the unity of Empire. Sir G. Lagden presided, 250 guests being present. A message was read from the various dominions branches. Sir Robert Horne, toasting the United Empire, said: “The change whereby the dominions have been given a- voice in the questions of policy illustrate the progress the Empire has made. As a consequence of the war the dominions have been given a new status. Great Britain welcomes the opinion of the dominions on any subject in order that it may be discussed for the benefit of the whole of the dominions. Australia is in the vanguard on the migration question. The whole prosperity and safety of the dominions depends upon a population of British stock. The only real League of Nations in the world to-day is a League of Nations of the British Empire.” Air Perley (C madal said it was neces sarv that the High Commissioners should hold office in their Governments in oruer that they would be empowered to meet British Ministers periodically in connec tion with Empire affairs. IN AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, May 25. Empire Day was loyally celebrated throughout the various States.