EMPIRE LOYALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 August 1921, Page 5

EMPIRE LOYALTY.

KING THANKS PREMIERS. VALUE OF MEETINGS. INTEREST IN DOMINIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, August 10. After the close of the Imperial Conference the Prime Ministers, in presenting their report, forwarded an address to the King. Hie Majesty to-day replied as follows: With much satisfaction I received from members of the conference, on the close of their labors, the address assuring me of their loyal devotion to myself and the Throne. Still more I am gratified at their expressed conviction that the Crown is an important link, uniting together in cohesion and strength the component parts of our great Empire. I experienced ineffaceable proofs of these sentiments in the enthusiastic and touching reception invariably given me on the several occasions of my visits to different portions of the world where the British flag flies. The proofs have been renewed by the remarkable demonstrations of welcome and goodwill towards the Prince of Wales in the Dominions and colonies which he visited during the last three vears. i

“Furthermore where could one find such ample testimony of their common allegiance to the Empire and its sovereign than in their noble self-sacrifice during the four and a-half years of the world war. 1 have followed with keen interest the deliberations of the conference. These meetings afford an opportunity for the exchange of views between Ministers of the great communities they represent upon many problems affecting the common interest of the British peoples and are essential to the unity and well-being of the Empire and the general peace of the world. “Every facility must be given for such periodical meetings and, to ensure this, we look confidently to men of science and research to discover improved means for inter-communication between all parts of the British Commonwealth. I know the work of the conference naa been strenuous, entailing severe demands, mental and physical, on all concerned. but their time has been well spent in advancing further along the road of progress and development. “J heartily thank them on my behalf and that of'the Queen for their address. We wish God speed to those leaving England and a safe and happy return to their respective homes and families. More than ever do we follow with feelings of affection the welfare of our people across the sea.”—George R.I.