EMPIRE DAY SPEECHES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2470, 25 May 1915, Page 6

EMPIRE DAY SPEECHES

4 CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY UNWONTED ENTHUSIASM. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Rec. May 24, 9.15 p.m.) Sydney, May. 24. Fine weather prevailed for the observance of Empire Day, which was a public holiday, and marked by unwonted enthusiasm. The speakers at the schools and other demonstrations, instead of voicing the usual latent sentiments of loyalty, echoed the prevalent war spirit, and the national pride, in the troops who wore fighting in tho Dardanelles. Many of the churches hold early morning intercessory services. The Jockey Club Meeting at Randwick, and other sports meetings, resulted in handsome sums for the Belgian Fund. Mr. Leslie Baruett, a Wellington city business man, drew tha winning ticket in the raffle for the racehorse Danum. The sale of tickets added over £900 for the Belgian Fund. PATRIOTIC SPEECHES. GREAT DEMONSTRATION AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE. (Rec. May 24, 9.25 p.m.) Sydney, May 24. There was an enthusiastio Empire demonstration at the Sydney Royal Exchange, when stirring speeches were de. livered by Sir Gerald Strickland (State Governor) and others. Rear-Admiral Cresswell, referring to the'work of the Australian Navy, said that not only had it defended ourselves, but had extended its protection to New Zealand. The Dominion was, in every particular, so far as tlftit was concerned, just as if she had been a State of the Commonwealth. A resolution was carried expressing tho public abhorrence at the sinking of the Lnsitania and the using of poisonous gases, together with a request that tho surrender of the individuals responsible for theso outrages should bo made part of tho terms of peace. Professor David's Appeal. Professor David, addressing the High School pupils, dealt with the necessity for self-sacrifice for the Empire. l Tho time had como when those who could not join the colours must practice selfabnegation. He advocated that they should follow the King's movement, and thought in the list of things to be sacrificed, thoy should include horseracing, betting, and .all that went with that form of sport. All must be prepared to give something which would make us ellicient in our helpfulness to the Empire. Referring to the operations in the Dardanelles, tho speaker said that what Australia and New Zealand had dona in the Gallipoli Peninsula would be written in tho future, and cover the nation with a mantle of glory greater than that which had clothed the heroic deeds of tho ancient Greeks. Mr. Griffiths (State Minister for Public Works) speaking at the Fort Street School, said that it was not a certainty yet that the Allies would win. "If tho Germanic Powers can be defeated," he said, "it' will bo only by the denial, self-sacrifice, and determined effort of the British Empire aud the combined allied peoples. We believe, we have a right to believe, that splendid spirit of sacrifice and devotion of our people will succeed. RAILWAYMEN'S CELEBRATIONS. The New Zealand Railways section of the National Reserve celebrated Empire Day in a fitting manner last night by holding a smoke concert in the Railway Social Hall, Waterloo Quay. There was a largo attendance of members, and the seating capacity of the hall was fully taxed. It had been the intention of the Minister of Finance (tho Hon. Jas. Allen) to be present and addiess members, but owing to heavy pressure of business he was unable to attend. The Minister of Railways (the Hon. W. H. Herries), who is out of town, sent an apology for absence. The guests included Colonel Porter, president of the National Reserve movement in Wellington, and Major Davis, of the National Reserve, and all the heads of the Railway Department. Ail interesting toast-list was gone through, ■ and some stirring patriotic, speeches made, while the good work done by the railwaymen in the different branches of defence was spoken of. The gathering broke up at a late hour, after a very cujoyablo evening.