The Daily News SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 1930. FUTURE OF THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1930, Page 8

The Daily News SATURDAY, AUGUST 9, 1930. FUTURE OF THE EMPIRE.

That the Prince of Wales stands out above all others as & model Ambassador of Empire has been convincingly demonstrated on many occasions, not only because he gives that • personal touch io Empire sentiment that makes it a virile and sustaining reality, but in a more important direction he has been able to bring to bear upon the subject a wealth of experience and keen observation, that help to throw new lights upon the practical side of Empire development and the cultivation of that Co-operation which can alone result in unity and solidarity. It may also be claimed that his splendid example acts as an inspiration to the King’s representatives in the various units of the Empire, especially the GovernorGenerals of the Dominions. If any corroboration of this assertion is needed it is ready to hand in the admirable services rendered in the cause of Empire by succeeding Governor-Generals of New Zealand, and particularly by the present holder of that high office, Lord Bledisloe, who misses no op-

portunity- to stress the individual’s part in helping to build up the greatness of the Empire and its industries. Moreover, lie treats the subject at the right end, in accordance with the views expressed in His Majesty’s last words to him before leaving England, namely, to “Keep an eye • upon the young people who arc being trained in the schools of New Zealand.” As a consequence of that royal injunction Lord Bledisloe makes a point in every address he gives to the younger generation, of telling them as a direct message from the King that there is no part of the population of New Zealand in whom His Majesty is more thoroughly interested because upon them, upon their training, and upon their success'in life, tvill largely depend the future of the British Empire. Such a message is well calculated to arouse in our young people the right spirit in which to pursue their studies; to inculcate in them a true sense of their ultimate importance in the body politic; to bring home to them the greatness of their heritage, and to endow them with an embryo spark of ambition, that may develop into a flame of service in the future. When addressing the students at Wellington Technical College recently Lord Bledisloe rightly directed their attention to the fact that the main part of a man’s or a woman’s education took place in after life, but he wisely emphasised that unless the foundation was sound, unless they were instructed how to learn, how to teach themselves, and how to take the best advantage of the books and material lying to their hands after leaving school, thqy could not become well educated men and women. There is something so thrilling in the idea, that every child can do his or her part towards the progress of the country in which the.ir lot is cast, and can thereby also advance the welfare of the great British Empire, that the encouraging words spoken by the Governc/r-General should certainly open up a new vista of service for the school pupils. Although it may not be possible for all pupils to attain to greatness in national or Empire affairs, it is at-least possible for them to become equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to enable them to take advantage of whatever opportunities occur, and it is taking due care of the small things of life that paves the way to the greater. The old proverb which states that “all things come to those who know how to wait” still holds good. It is the knowing “how” to wait that matters. On that point Lord Bledisloe indirectly gave most appropriate advice when he said: “The future of the British Empire depends very largely upon its technical ’ efficiency as compared with that of other countries, and if you really mean to be successful in life and do your part in promoting the prosperity and happiness of New Zealand and the Empire, you have to leai-n all you can, throwing the whole of your ability and enthusiasm and interest into the work that you have the opportunity to learn in an efficient way.” In these days of intense economic troubles and ultra-keen competition this sage advice comes as an inspiration for service worthy of the great heritage of the British Empire. It is by such means as those adopted by Lord Bledisloe that the future of the Empire can be best advanced and made safe | for posterity. j