THE IMPERIAL MISSION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1223, 4 September 1911, Page 6

THE IMPERIAL MISSION.

AN INVITATION TO NEW ZEALANDEliS. [To ttio Editor.] Sir,—May wo trespass on your valuable spaco to bring prominently under tho notico of New Zealander9 tlio nims and objccts of tho Imperial Mission, and. to appeal to all Imperialists to assist in furthering the cnuso of Imperialism by giving practical expression to tho sentiments of unity and brotherhood that exist throughout tho Empire. Those who lmve watched tlio progress of events must bo struck with tho Tapid development of the Imperial cause within recent years, and thoso who look into tho future cannot fail to see that the Imperial idea is designed to play a still moro important part in our history. Therefore, it seems to ns that the timo has arrived to carry Imperialism into tho homes of the people that it may become a practical living forco in our social life as well as a political force in our life as a nation. The Imperial Mission was formed in London a little more than a year ago to lift Imperialism out of tho rut of party politics by tlio establishment of a broad organisation which will bo a living and permanent factor in bringing the people of all parts of our widely scattered Empire closer together. The movement was started by tho election of a provisional committee of Imperialists from all parts of the Empire then resident in' London, with Mr. H. Pago Croft, M.P., as chairman of the executive. This preliminary organisation was speedily followed by the constitution of tho Imperial Mission and the election of a General Council divided into sections leprcsenting the Mother Country and the oversea Dominions. During tho first year of its existence, tho Imperial Mission has conducted an educational campaign throughout Great Britain in the cause of Imperialism with marked success. At tho first annual meeting of tho mission, held on May 2G last, and presided over by the president of the General Council, Lieutenant-Gen-eral the Earl of Dundonald, C.8., K.C.V.0., it was reported that since th-o formation of the mission 4CO meetings, with audiences numbering in the aggregate nearly half a million, had been addressed by tlie Imperial pioneers (as the honorary speakers of tho mission i-.re known). At this annual meeting the executive committees of the mission had the satisfaction of being able to assure members that the discussion of Imperial problems from the point of view of the oversea Dominions, by speakers who have a practical knowledge of the social and commercial conditions of their respective States, had proved most effective in furthering the cause of Imperialism in England. Now that the initial difficulties of establishing a large organisation independent of party and essentially Imperialistic in conception have been overcome, tho General Council of tho Imperial Mission feel that the time has como for the scope of the mission to be enlarged by tho establishment of oversea branches throughout tho Empire. The work already accomplished covers only part of the object tho founders of the Imperial Mission, have in view, which is to quicken into practical life the latent Imperialism which exists wherever our flag flies. We hope to make the headquarters of the mission a home for Imperialism—a place where Imperialists from different parts of tho Empire may meet on common ground, and exchange opinions. By such means we hope to promote the feeiing of kinship, to create lasting friendships, to establish social relations, and thus visiting kinsmen and the Home Imperialist would be of groat educational valuo to all concerned. By such means wo would broaden each other's views, and get to understand one another better, and so bring Imperial unity within nearer rango. The objects of the Imperial Mission arc: (1; To promote in every possible way closer' organic Ilnperial unity. (2)' To place before the people of. the Empire the benefits of,lmperial solidarity in commerco and defence. (3) To show the people of tho Mother Country that if sho decided to buy her imported foods within the Empire, the Oversea Dominions could supply all her wants. (4) To show tho advantages of promoting inter-Imperial trade to • tho wageearners of tho Empire. (5) To endeavour by every means to direct tho tide of emigration to the Oversea Dominions of tho Empire, rather than to foreign countries. At the first, annual meeting of tho Imperial Mission, held on May 2(5 last, tho following resolution, proposed by' the Right Hon. Sir Charles Tapper, aiid seconded by tho Hon. J. 11. Jenkins, of South Australia, was carried -unanimously :— "That this n&eting of the Imperial Mission is strongly of ' opinion that tho timo has arrived when a policy of mutual trade preference should lie established throughout the Empire, as the essential basis of closer union, and is further of opinion that everything possible should bo done to. keep tho stream of British emigrants within tho Empire, to improvo means of communication, anil to aim at a common policy of defence." Wo confidently 'apnea! to tho people of New Zealand to help us.to carry these ideals into practical effect by joining tho Now_ Zealand branches of tlio Imperial Mission about to lie formed, and thus assist, to solve tho problem of Imoerialism. We want to establish a practical bond of union between Imperialists in your part, of the Empire &nd tlis Imperialists at Home. We want to be able to offer thoso who visit England some opportunity of meeting those who are carrying on tlio' work in which they aro intervsted, in which our national future is concerned. We want, to profit by their experience and help, and we want thom to take back with them tho feeling that they havo been among their own kin. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, tho Might Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, has accepted the position of honorary president of the New Zealand section of the Imperial Mission', and has kindly promised to take an -active interest in its Imperial work. Tho Minister for Justico and Attorney-General. Sir J. G. Findlay, has accepted a similar position in the Wellington branch of tho mission. Tho mission is in communication with prominent citizens in Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, and Dunedin respecting tho establishment of branches. We have not. overlooked the importance of also establishing branches in tho provincial and country centres of New Zealand, and wo trust that many such branches will bo formed locally by men who havo the causo of Imperialism at heart. The establishment of ladies' branches of tliH. Imperial Mission would also help greatly in spreading tho Imperial causo among the women of the Empire, and in addition would pavo the way for an interchange of social courtesies that will make members of the mission feel at home in whatever part of the Empiro they happen to be. Directly the oversea branches aro established, a consulfativo council will bo formed in London, consisting largely of representatives of various parts of tho Empiro resident in Great Britain, who will bo selected by the oversea branches, such representatives to be kept continuously in touch with the various branches. By this means tho views of all the branches will be expressed at hoadquartors in aii authoritative manner. In order to fittingly mark tho inauguration of the larger policy of tho mission, wo are organising a great Imperial rally mass meeting in London at an early date. As soon as the oversea expansion of tho mission warrants, the step, we hope to cxchango speakers from tho various parts of the Empire, in order that. tho view-points of its different people may be moro widely known. All information and necessary Jiteraturo for tlio guidance of those who wish to establish branches of tho Imperial Mission in any New Zealand centre, large or small, will ho gladly forwarded on application to the business ollicos of tho mission, 117 Piccadilly, London. Thanking you in anticipation, Wo are, sir, on behalf of tho Imperial "Mission, it ours, etc., HENRY PAGE CROFT, Chairman. NORTHCOTE, For Australasian Section. DUNDONALD, President of the General CounciL 117 Piccadilly, London W. July 28.