THE EMPIRE & THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2533, 6 August 1915, Page 2

THE EMPIRE & THE WAR

UNITED EFFORTS NEW ZEALAND'S BURDEN AND RESOURCES Delegates to the conference of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce were entertained at luncheon at the Town Hall yesterday. Mr. James Macintosh (president of the Wellington' Chamber) presided, and the guests included the Prime Minister (tlie Right Hon. W. F. Massey), the Eight lion. Sir Joseph Ward, and the Jfayor (Mr. .T. P. Luke). The chairman took the opportunity of expressing his gratification at the change which had come over our politics in the' preceding 2i hours. (Applause.) The cry of party was no longer heard in the land, anil would not he heard until this war had ended in victory.. (Applause.) The formation of the National Ministry, he added, mot with the approval of the people from one end of New Zealand to the other. Speech by Mr. Massey. The Prime Minister,, on rising to propose the toast of "The Empire," was greeted • with enthusiastic applause. He ivas glad' to have the toast in his hands, ho said, because it dealt with tho important subject that was uppermost in their minds—the war. When the Imperial authorities decided twelve months ago to draw the sword, in defence 'of small States and treaty obligations, thoir actiou met with tho unanimous approval of the citizens of the Empire. (Hear, hear.) It was not a war of class or creed, but-one in' which all classes and creeds were concerned. As proof that the war had been popular nqt only with .citizens hut nifh the oversea Dominions, tho Prime Minister referred with pleasure to the fighting forces sent to the front from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Newfoundland, . Fiji, and other quarters of tiie Empire. He also reminded his audience of what had been done by India, where sedition 'was supposed by our enemies to have been rife. Immediately on the outbreak of war, India had done everything possible to assist the Empire in its hour of trial. South Africa, too, lmd played its part nobly and well, and everyone admired the patriotism of General Botha, who had taken such an important part in .the fight against the Empire's enemies, New Zealand, in common with other parts of the Empire, had suffered, hut had probably suffered least of nil, and would come through better because of the country's great resources. We had. however, taken up the burden of Empire and must be prepared to face difficulties and make sacrifices. The greatest sacrifice was the loss of our young men, who had fallen on the battlefield. But therowwats t consolation in the fact that they had died in the best possible way. As a result of their part in the war, tho Dominions would probably have a hand in. the management of -Im-, perial affairs, though he would not say what form it would take. In conclusion, tbo Prime Minister paid a tribute to the work done by all New Zealanders, and he specially mentioned the enormous amount of work done and the patriotic spirit displayed by . the women. (Loud applause.)' On behalf of the Government he thanked them for their' assistance, and he reminded all of their duty to help by united effort. Sir Joseph Ward's Reply. Sir Joseph' Ward, in replying to the toast, referred to the fact that those who had had control of the Empire's affairs had never shown the white feather or turned their backs to an opponent. It became apparent 20 years. ago • that ■ a union between tho Motherland and the overseas Dominions would make the Empire,too powerful to bo put down by any of the other nations. When Germany started the idea that there were differ- . ences between the Motherland and the Dominions, she started an idea which in Parliamentary language , was contjaTy to , fact. In view of tho atrocities which had been brought to light 6inco the war commenced it was inconceivable that a victory could result for the combination of tlio forces which now endeavoured to dominate the world. Such a, victory seemed incompatible with the wisdom of the Ruler of all things. Sir Joseph Ward went on to refer to tlio lessons to bo learned by the commercial community as a result of the war and to the common duty of citizens of the Empire to put aside local differences until tho end of the war and unite against tho Empire's enemies. He paid a tribute to tho men who had gone to the front. Tho toast of "The Chairman" was. proposed by tho Mayor, who wished the conference every success in tho work before them. .