NEW VISION AND HOPE

Southland Times, Issue 19254, 27 May 1924, Page 5

NEW VISION AND HOPE

WHAT THE EXHIBITION BRINGS EDUCATION FOR THE WORKERS THE EMPIRE’S ILLIMITABLE RESOURCES. (By Telegraph— Press Assn.—Copyright) (The Times.) LONDON, May 25. (Received May 26, 7.0 pan.) Mr J. H. Thomas, in the course of an article in the Times Empire Day Exhibition aupplement, refused to accept the assumption which he says is prevalent in some vircles, that Labour is hostile to the Empire atd the Imperial idea. ( “Labour,” says the Colonial Secretary, 'Tias frequently criticised certain aspects and forms of Imperialism, but has always had a keen eye for the conduct of Imperial affairs and the administration of the Empire, not because it is opposed to the Empire, but for exactly contrary reasons, prompted wholly and solely by the desire that the Empire shall be worthy of the idea that it embodies and the Motherland which gave it birth.” Mr Thomas admits that the masses of the workers in Great Britain have not always been alive to the scope and diversity of the resources and the possibilities of the Empire. That is only due to the fact that they had had no opportunity of acquiring knowledge concerning the Empire. . “Nothing,” adds Mr Thomas, “has been conceived, far less carried out, so calculated to provide them with that knowledge as the Exhibition, which vividly brings to their eyes the Empire’s vastness and illimitable resources. They will learn many things dow: for instance, how Australia’s untold riches are only just tapped; how New Zealand is waiting to welcome immigrants with British blood. The Exhibition brings a new vision and hope to those who are tempted to despair, when they realise that the solution of Great Britain’s industrial problem is slow, its progress depending on the gradual restoration of Europe and the consequent revival of markets formerly absorbing such a vast proportion of our manufactures. The Exhibition pavilions are more than shop windows. They are an excellent appeal and encouragement to Empire trade, and a most attractive argument for the growth and extension of Empire settlement.”