BRITAIN AND HER COLONIES.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 3344, 11 June 1909, Page 5

BRITAIN AND HER COLONIES.

CHANGE IN EMPIRE’S RELATIONS. GROWTH OF NATIONAL SPIRIT. Electric Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. London, June JO. Mr J. W. Kirw.an, editor of the Kalgoorlie Miner, West Australia, responding to the toast of “The Guests,” at the luncheon to the press delegates in the House of Commons, emphasised the steady strengthening of the spirit of colonial nationalism—namely, the spirit and pride of being Australians, Canadians, or New Zealanders. Yet a change was coming over the Dominions and the Empire. They were surely tending towards a period of closer alliance, and the Empire in future would be grander and greater than in the past, inasmuch as it would consist of a great family of new nations, which would give strength and pride to the Motherland. Several Cabinet Ministers and all the London editors were present at the breakfast given to the press delegates by Mr Lloyd-George at his official residence in Downing street. The weather was delightful during Lord Northcliffe’s entertainment of the delegates at Sutton Place, Guildford. There were no speeches. The 200 guests included Field-Marshal Lord Roberts. Viscount Esher, a member of the Committee or Imperial Defence, and Lords Robert andi Hugh Cecil, sons of the late Marquis of Salisbury. In the evening, Sir Richard Beachcroft, chairman of the London County Council, gave a reception in the Grafton Galleries. There were about a thousand guests, including the London Mayors and municipal officers.

“SHELTERED BEHIND THE FLAG.” PRESS COMMENTS. London, June 9. The Daily Chronicle, in an article on the Press Conference, says the endorsement of Lord Rosebery’s warnings made a deep impression on the audience. Mr Ward's speech showed that the conference was of opinion that those who sheltered themselves behind the flag ought to take their share of the maintenance of the fleet. Th Daily Express says the manly speeches of Sir Edward Grey, Mr Alfred Lyttelton and Mr Ward will make far more for peace than itinerant junketings. The Labour leaders are of the general opinion that such discussions as those of yesterday are the best possible preparation for the confidential official debates which will take place at the conference summoned by Mr Asquith. The opportunity of meeting and hearing Britain’s leading public men will give the best results of the pressmen’s visit.