THE BONDS OF EMPIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2181, 10 September 1907, Page 3

THE BONDS OF EMPIRE.

WORK OF THE VICTORIA LEAGUE. Press Association. WELLINGTON, September 9. An “At Home” was held to-day by the 'Wellington branch of the Victoria League with the object of showing the aims and objects of the institution. - Among those present were the Covernor and Lady Plunket and party, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, Dr. Findlay and Mr. Fowlds. . x . A report was read showing that the branch was formed a year ago. Tho key-stone of the League was to foster an intimate understanding of the Mother Country and her dependencies and to promote patriotism, one method being the distribution of suitable literature among school children. The committee was sending N.Z. magazines for distribution in English village schools. Correspondence had been started between three Somerset schools and three New Zealand schools. The Wellington branch has 120 members and a credit balance of £ls. . . Lord Plunket spoke of his interest in the League. He was pleased the New Zealand Government had assisted by sending Home 1 antorn slides and information about New Zealand. The Premier said he hoped to bo able to assist the League in carrying out its good and important work. Ho thought it a mistake to make , any charge for the admission of children to the League. He spoke of the great responsibilities devolving on future generations of the Empire. Dr. Findlay spoke of the. marked change during recent years in the way colonial visitors were greeted. Ho attributed this in a great measuro to improved’ means of communication, and mentioned Sir Joseph Ward’s valuable work ill postal and telegraph matters.