THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16349, 5 February 1924, Page 5

THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

MR. MASSEY'S BELIEF. Is it the destiny of the British Empire to fall into decay, as was the case with the ancient empires of Greece and Rome? Mr. Massey is emphatic that it is not. Speaking at the civil reception accorded hiin .ut tho Wellington Town Hall on Monday, ho said : —"Tho principal object of the Imperial Conferences is to maintain the unity of the Empire. Dominion Prima Ministers cross thousands of miles, and meet, men who are imbued with the same ideal and purpose. We are tho trustees of the Empire*—men whose duty it is to. hold it for those who come after us, and pass it on, brighter and better than it is today. That is saying a good deal. People often disparage the British Empire, when they say, in comparing it with empires that have passed away, that it has passed its zenith. "Sometimes I feel a bit pessimistic," continued Mr. Massey, "when I look around at what has happened in recent years, and contemplate the possibilities of the future. I believe that Providenco will keap the British Empire together. At all events, so far as its usefulness is concerned, it has done more for humanity, civilisation, and Christianity that any other Empire the world has ever seen." (Applause.) "I have heard, it said that-Canada, is 'cutting <i\\c painter,''' said Mr Massey. at a later stage of his address. "I addressed many big meetings in Canada, and the audiences there were just as loyal as New Zealand, and that is saying a, good deal." (Hear, hear).