UNITY OF THE EMPIRE

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 12

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE

_ 4 NO REAL EVIDENCES OF DISRUPTION OPINION EXPRESSED BY LORD BADEN-POWELL Tendencies which were indicated by Sir Hugh Denison in an address given in Christchurch on Monday as evidences of disruption in the British Empire, wete described as only transitory phases by the World Chief Scout. Lord Baden-Powell, when Sir Hugh's remarks were referred to him yesterday. Lord Baden-Powell said that in his Empire tours the matters mentioned by Sir Hugh had not escaped his notice, but he was convinced that there was a deep feeling of loyalty throughout the Empire. Most of the trouble was caused by politicians, who acted without proper consideration of the conseciuences. _ Unity, both Imoerial and international, was undoubtedly essential said Lord Baden-Powell, rnd it would be a bad thing if the Emnire were to dissipate its energies. The strength of the Empire lay in such loyalty a* he bad noticed in New Zealand tn tho King and the Royal Family. TIt 3 Dominion's loyalty, he added, had made a deep impression upon him. Value of Scouting Lord Baden-Powell said thaj the scouting movement was a valuable influence towards Empire unity. It was most important that former scouts should keep in touch with the movement and retain their idea's of boyhood—straight living and dealing. In England there were strong associations of "old boys," and he wished to see the same type of organisation in other parts of the Empire. Men in these associations would have no duties or parades, but would merely keep in touch with and support the local branches of the movement. They would be a strong help in times of trouble.