BUILDERS OF THE EMPIRE

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 453, 24 June 1902, Page 2

BUILDERS OF THE EMPIRE

LECTURE BY MR REES

At McFarlane’s Hall last night Mr W. L. Rees gave a most interesting lecture on the subject, “ Builders of the Empire,” the lecture being under the auspices of the Gisborne Mutual Improvement Society., There being several other meetings, the attendance was disappointing. The , chair was occupied by the President (Mr IT bn Jones). , The City Band, under Mr Morrison, was present, and during intervals of tlie lecture, which was divided into four parts, the Band supplied appropriate music, taking Die lead with tlie National song, “ Rule Britannia,” “ The Death of Nelson,” “ Soldiers of the Queen,” “Men of Merrie England,” and the National Anthem. The lecture was a most eloquent reference to British history, tlie heads of it being as follows Alfred the Great to Edward the First, Edward the First to Elizabethan Age, Tlie Puritans and Foundation of tlie American Colonies, The Restoration to End of Napoleonic Wars, Waterloo to Peace in South Africa. Time after time Mr Rees was interrupted by very hearty applause, Die audience throughout taking tlie most intense interest in the subject, and the interest increasing and not lessening, as it proceeded. In regard to America, although we had lost it, lie said that it was still with us in language and sentiment, and we had had left to us one of Die most beautiful and richest spots on earth—Canada. The history of Great Britain fie described as tlie building of a great commerce, and the improvement of relations of the people. He cited the progress that had been made in the eighteenth century, the flag of England waving in all quarters of the world, and after the French revolution it became the most irresistible sea power. After referring to the battle of Trafalgar, Mr Rees said that the famous signal that England expected every man that day to do his duty had been characteristic of the building up-of the Empire, whether in religion or commerce, in war or in peace, in the humblest walks of life to the highest, that had been the mainspring of action. The lecturer paid f£ warm tribute to the British heroes. In dealing with the nineteenth century he gave a glowing account of the progress that had been made in all directions.: Things that were now every day matters, such as the railway ant the telephone, would not have been thought possible in earlier days. It would, he said, be impossible to think of all the many toilers who had helped to build up the Empire. Among those he mentioned were Sir George Grey and the Premiers at present in London, among' whom were Mr Soddon. He referred to Cecil Rhodes as one of tlie boldest and shrewdest, and he believed that when it was possible to fairly estimate his character, it would be acknowledged that he was one of the builders under the providential plan of God. Now it had beet shown to the Boers that oppression would not be allowed, he believed that they would heartily co-operate with the British. Of the great Coronation ceremony he gave a stirring description, believing that what was taking place would lead to the making of England impregnant ; it would also lead to the uplifting of the people and to all good things—not only strengthening .the Empire, but increasing the

great influence oi its surroundings* He believed that the many gifts had not

come by chance, but were gifts from the Great God-oi all, entailing duties upon all to do what they could for the benefit of humanity and the uplifting oi the people. The lecturer concluded with a stirring peroration* The Rev. W. Welsh moved a vote of thanks. He said Mr Rees had given them a faithful historical record, and a grand and noble lecture. (Applause.) The only thing to regret was that there was not a larger attendance. A good deal of attention bad been given on the subject of beautifying the Point (laughter), and it was also important that there should be a beautifying of the mind. The lecture had been well thought out, and was a great intellectual treat. (Applause). The Mayor, who explained that owing to the Coronation meeting he bad been unable to attend earlier, said that he now claimed to be a colonial, but he could remember the time when the colonies were looked on as waste, and those who went out to them were regarded as having been . wasted—a great change had now taken place. Referring to the lecture, he said Mr Rees always ably treated any subject he took in hand. He had a masterful way of gripping the main points of anything, and describing them in a lucid manner. The Chairman, in putting the motion, made a few commendatory remarks, and the motion was carried with enthusiastic applause.

In proposing a vote of thanks to the Chair, Mr Rees mentioned the services the band rendered to the public, and urged that at their concert to-morrow evening, the Band should be given very hearty support. The remarks were greeted with applause*