“SANEST OF ALL”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 671, 24 May 1929, Page 11

“SANEST OF ALL”

N.Z. AND IMPERIAL UNITY EMPIRE DAY LUNCHEON “To my mind the conception of Imperial unity held in New Zealand is the soundest and sanest of all conceptions and the one most in keeping with the spirit of Empire.” So said his Excellency the Gover-nor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, in proposing the toast of the Royal Empire Society at the Empire Day luncheon held at the Auckland University College this afternoon. Mr. A. S. Bankart presided. “The society has for its ideals the maintenance of the spirit of the British Empire,” said his Excellency. “Here in New Zealand we are not so much concerned about our rights as a Dominion. This country is a monument to Empire building.” The British Empire was the greatest factor for good and peace in the world, continued the speaker, and had colonised and missionised in every corner of the globe. Its constitution had stood the test of ages. What was required was a coming generation devoted to the ideals of service and that would concentrate on the solution of the great industrial and social problems now confronting the Empire. “Empire Day is the day when we take stock of all these things,” said Sir Charles. “The British people are not altogether materialistic as has sometimes been said.” The toast was replied to by the chairman, Mr. A?. S. Bankart, who said the British Empire laid a good deal of stress on the spiritual side of progress. At the conclusion of the luncheon the annual general meeting of the local association of the Royal Empire Society was held, Mr. A. S. Bankart presiding. The annual report and balance sheet showed 110 members in Auckland, slightly more than the minimum required for a branch. It was considered better to remain as a committee only for the present. The essay competition for the year had been satisfactory to Auckland, the first prize being won by Jack Bennett, a Mount Albert schoolboy. The balance sheet showed a satisfactory surplus of £3O 13s. The president, Mr. A. S. Bankart, was re-elected for the ensuing year. The outgoing committee was reelected en bloc as follows: Sir George Fowlds, Messrs. N. R. W. Thomas, C. F. Gardner, H. E. Vaile, A. H. Johnstone, J. Stanton, T. A. Sladdin, H. T, Goldie, A. Gray and J. Alexander.