EMPIRE FAMILY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20585, 26 November 1936, Page 11

EMPIRE FAMILY

MEMORABLE MEETING AT JOHANNESBURG JOHANNESBURG, November 1. The whole Empire listened-in when the Empire Exhibition was opened. But it would be difficult for those in far-off Dominions to picture the memorable scene when His Excellency the Governor-General of South Africa, the Earl of Clarendon, declared it open. The most significant pomp that Johannesburg has ever known. Thus the opening was described. The thousands of people in the arena were, in a sense, in the centre of the Empire for they knew that the Dominions were listening eagerly to the proceedings. The towering buildings in the Exhlbtion, the distinguished array of African State dignitaries, the gay frocks of the women, the tartan uniforms of the famous Gordon Highlanders band and the sober khaki of the Union’s own guard of honour made the setting remarkable.

And perhaps the greatest thrill of all was the receipt of the speeches of the Dominion premiers.

First came the voice of Britain (Mr Stanley Baldwin), full-bodied, noble, self-assured. Then came the voice of Canada (Mr W. L. Mackenzie King), sharp, realistic and penetrating. Then came the voice of Australia (Mr J. A Lyons), brisk and friendly.

Finally came the voice of New Zealand (Mr M. J. Savage), deep, slow and musical.

As each Premier spoke, the flag of his country broke from one of a row of mastheads before the grandstand.

The message of goodwill from the King and the release of 1,200 doves from the great Tower of Light were highlights in an unforgettable day.

The Exhibition has made an auspicious start. All the Dominion pavilions are thronged daily with thousands of visitors thirsting for knowledge of far-away sister countries.

Meanwhile Johannesburg, celebrating its fiftieth birthday with many spectacular events, is sparing no efforts to welcome the thousands of visitors who are coming here from all parts of the British Commonwealth.