THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 February 1916, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

I-lON. G. W. RUSSELL'S ADDRESS. KAVY'S EXCELLENT WOEIv. AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK. Replying to the toast of "The Empire'' at the, dinner tendered to the delegates to the Master Plumbers' Conference' at Cliristchnrch last week, the Minister of Internal Allah's (the Hon, G. W. Russell), said that at all times there was something thrilling in connection with the British Empire. (Hear, hear). Those of them who were getting on in years would remember that New Zealand obtained constitutional government about 1840. but what wonderful changes had taken place since. The present great war, unparalleled in the history of the human race, was one in which the British Empire, as tile prime actor, was spending all its wealth and giving its manhood, not for themselves, but for the world and for future generations. That was not an occasion when one could cover the whole field the toast covered. . So far as the Empire was concerned, except so far as the Navy was represented, it had never heen prepared for war. They had always been beaten at the start, but they would win in the finish. (Hear, hear). He must refer to the magnificent part played by the British Navy in the war. (Applause). Their hearts thrilled at what Jellieoe and his men had done in keeping the enemy tight at Kiel. He could not reveal secrets that, came to him as a 'Minister of the Crown, but when the time came for the truth to be told of what the Navy had done for the defence of the Empire and New Zealand, there was not a man present who would not say "Thank God for the British Navy." (Applause). Their sister Dominion. Australia, had vessels that had done magnificent work. When he was a member of -the Maekeir/.ie Government the British Government had asked for the New Zealand battle-cruiser to be sent where she could he of most service, and that was why the New Zealand had been sent to the North Pea. They knew then that war was possible. When the details were published of the manner and skill in which the Navy had trapped and smashed the German submarines, a thrill of admiration would be sent throughout the Empire. (Hear, hear). PRESERVING OUR LIBERTIES. That brilliant leader, Mr. Lloyd George (applause), continued the Minister, had done great work". When the war started England had an army of but Ion,0(10, now she bad millions of men, all fully equipped and ready for the great offensive that was soon to take place on the western front. What were they fighting for? They were fighting to preserve the liberty handed down by their fathers, and that liberty would be handed down to their children. (Hear, hear). It was a privilege that New Zealand had been able to take part in the fighting. Had any man prophesiscd three years ago "that. 40,000 young New Zealanders would be now fighting for the Empire, and that every month hundreds of young men would be sent as reinforcements, and that New Zealand would lie the first part of the Empire to capture foreign territory (Samoa), that man would have been regarded as not in his right mind.

IF VOLUNTARY SYSTEM FAILS. As <1 member of the National Government lie would say that they hoped to win Hie war by the voluntary system, but if that means failed the Government would not shrink from any other plan necessary to safeguard the Empire. (Hear, hear). The Prime Minister at the beginning of the war had said that, New Zealand would spend the Inst shilling and send the last man if necessary. To-day the National Government upheld that promise. (Hear, hear). Let. them learn from their foes. There was much that could be learned from Germany. (Hear, hear). The lesson was that they must perfect their organisation in education and military matters, and give to their producers the privileges given to others. He was in favor, as he had always been, of a small amount of protection and to keep in the country the money that was now being spent to pay for the leaden bullets by their enemies.

BRITAIN AND GERMANY COMPARED. The British were a religious people, and he would remind them of the Biblical text t.lia-t righteousness exalt=th a nation. Wherever the British Hag had flown the peoples' religion had been respected. Britain was not only the greatest Christian Power, but also the greatest Mohammedan Power. In Egypt Britain's task had been to uplift the natives and the national institutions. In India Britain had done more glorious work, relieving famine and distress. Germany, on the other hand, had nothing to show in her colonies but the iron heel of militarism. Belgium was an instance of what Germany would do to any conquered land. Would God allow Germany to win? He could not think so. Britain stood for righteousness and they could have no doubt of the result of the struggle. It was a long way to Tipperary. but they would get there. (Hear, hear). He would not pose as a prophet, but he had the impression that before the end of the year Germany would know that she was kicking against the pricks and would sue for peace. That was the time when Britain must, push harder. No peace would he satisfactory to the people of New Zealand which allowed for the continuance of the German Navy. (Hear. hear). They could be proud of the Empire, and as sons of Britain they would have a place in the world's history. He was sure that New Zealand would support the National Government in all it did towards winning the war and in sending the Germans to that place to "which he thought they ought to go. (Applause).