EMPIRE DAY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1449, 25 May 1912, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY.

DOMINIONS. AND THE NAVY. Sy Telezraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. May 24, 9.5 p.m.) Sydney, May 24. Eain, incessant.and soaking, spoiled the outdoor Empire, Day celebrations. The bulk of tho schools held indoor demonstations of the usual patriotic description. A big and enthusiastic gathering was held on the Royal Exchange, which was appropriately decorated. The Cathedral choir, sang a number of patriotic anthems and songs. : Admiral Sir George King-Hall and Sir Joseph Ward spoke. The Admiral said the control of. the sea highways was absolutely necessary if we were to retain.our independence, and this applied to Australia as well as to the rest of the Empire. He was more convinced than ever that no. other policy was possible thalf the present Australian Navy policy in. view of tho growing national feeling in Australia. , Sir Joseph Ward said the position, of the British Empire 'was remarkable; no past Empire exemplified the family relationship of a mother nation and a galaxy of young nations like it. The solidarity and impregnability of tho Empiro was the goal towards which all were -working. The British Navy must bs in a state of unquestionable efficiency and power if tho peace of the world was to be insured.He believed the peoplo of the overseas parts of the Empire should look forward to a great Imperial Parliament where the Dominions would be represented and the prime duty of which would be the control of Imperial defence and the creation and maintenance of a, great Imperial Navy to guard every portion of the Empire. SIR JOSEPH WARD'S MESSAGE. Sydney, May 24. Ihe following was Sir Joseph Ward's Empire Day message:—''Unity is strength, to secure and maintain which we must subordinate all minor differences and work unitedly to draw closer the bonds of Empire. Let our motto be TJnited we stand, divided we fall.'" AUSTRALIAN CELEBRATIONS. (Rec. May 25, 0.5 a.m.) ■ . Sydney, May 24. Lmpire Day celebrations were general in )he country. Brisbane, May 24. Empire Day was kept as a public holiday. The weather was fine, and the .celebrations general and enthusiastic. Melbourne, May 24. Empire Day was fine, and the usual patriotic demonstrations took place in the city and throughout the State.