UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7541, 23 January 1896, Page 2

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

SPEECH BY MR CHAMBERLAIN. .Condon, Jan. 21, Lord Lamington, the new Governor of Queensland, addressing a Conservative meeting at St. Pancras, said the Transvaal crisis showed that all political parties became united In resenting the attacks agoinsb British colonial interests. Jan. 22. — Two hundred people were present at the banquet to Lord Lamington, the new Governor of Queensland, including .the Agents-General of the vatious colonies, Lord Selborne, Viscount Curzon, and the Hon. Mr Chamberlain. The latter, replying to a toast, said the incidents in the Transvaal showed that it was impossible for a portion, of the empire to be in danger without an echo from the whole, and he alluded to a certain rebuke England received amidst her misfortune while surrounded by jealous rivals. They had not expected hostility and even hate where they had expected friendship. In view of the traditions and community of interests involved, England's love of peace, he said, was regarded as weakness, and her disregard ot criticism was supposed to confer the right of insult. The empire was held in trust for British residents throughout the world, and was determined to maintain her rights and fulfil her duties. Though isolated, her colonies were secure, and abundant loyalty was displayed by the messages promptly responding to the outburst agaiusb England. He urged the colonies to develop commercial routes and unite for mutual defence, as a federal empire was a potent faotor.in the peace of the ..world. The departing gueat would, he thought, aid in tightening the union, and it was impossible to foretell to what greatness Queensland might attain.

Lord Lamington, in replying, said he was well aware that Sir Henry Norman, the late Governor of Queensland, had smoothed the path for him in the colony, and he added that he fully approved of Imperial federation. At the banquet, Mr Chamberlain's reference to the German Emperor, evoked the " National Anthem." and " Rule Britannia." He twice quoted Lord Tennyson's ode "Long live flag, fleeb and throne," which was received with cheers.

The St. James 1 Gazette states that Viscount Wolseley is preparing for the possible despatch of six thousand troops for foreign service.