COLONIAL INSTITUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2184, 7 May 1908, Page 1

COLONIAL INSTITUTE.

DINNER IN LONDON. IMPORTANT SPEECHES. United Press Association —Copyright LONDON, May 5. At tho Colonial Institute dinner at the Hotel Cecil His Highness the Prince of -Wales presided. There were 350 guests, which included the Dukes of' Argyll and iM'arJborough, Lords. Lore!) uni, Dudley, Jersey, Tennyson, Alverstone, Rothschild, Lamington, and Strathcona, Viscounts M’orley and -U-iincimiui, Mr Sydney Buxton, the Archbishop of Sydney, Sir .Montague Nelson, the Agents-,General, and many leading colonials.

M r Thomas Price, Premier of South Australia, proposing tho toast of the Royal Family, stated it,was hoped to divert the-title of immigration' .setting in towards Canada to Australia, which was preparing for the presence of white men by great transcontinental railways, the locking of the river Murray, the Nile of Australia, and the opening of hinds. 'Australia was also preparing to Like her part in defending the Empire by promoting a vigorous cadet movement and training large bodies ready to fight for tho flag. ■His Tliglinoos the (Prince of AA’alcs

responded. He welcomed Lord Dudley, who would carry with him the heartiest good wishes on his high, responsible mission, though Lord Northcote’s departure was to be mod deeply regretted. Hie Highness feelingly referred to Lord Linlithgow’s Jo-ss. Ho stated that his owii many visits to tho colonies and dependencies had created a deep and continuing interest in the progress and welfare of all oversea dominions, which the loyal and affectionate welcome and generous hospitality -universally extended to himself, his brother, and liis wife bad intensified. He never forgot the many kind friends made during those memorable experiences, visits which enabled him to form an idea of our Empire, and realise its vastness, resources, and latent strength. “England” now meant England spread over the -whole surface of the world.. (Cheers.) The Pr inee'of Wales, proposing the “Dominions beyond the Sea,” then dwelt upon tho true spirit of Empire, the ties of kinship -between all parts, the astounding progress made in improving means of communication within the Empire since Queen Ab'ctoria lra-d ascended the Throne, and the greater co-operation for mutual interests with common aims. All must be ready to make mutual effort and sacrifice. He hoped progress might he made in thoroughly grappling the Imperial defence question, and strengthening the military organisation in. peace time. He also urged the importance of reciprocity ill matters of education, strengthening the social relations with the colonics, making it clear to colonists that they will always be certain to find hero a home not in name only, ! but in realitv.

The Prince of AVales sakl: “AA r e ’ must foster the strongest -feelings of mutual confidence .and respect, and preserve for future generations by i methods of education and unity of action in " everything leading towards-, the greatest ideals of ■civilisation, and a noble heritage founded, on the highest patriotism and sympathy.” The Earl of Crowe, proposing the Colonial Institute, created a favor- Sr able impression when, after remark-- i ing that South" Africa was facing ffieult problems, including tho com-- ’ ing fusion of its different units, and! with the same determination and grit which would enable other parts of the Empire to solve t-heirs, declared that-, whatever Imperial Government wasTf’ in power, -and whoever was Minister, there would be no undue ’ meddling. His only desire was to see' 0 * those qualified to speak for the colon- ,R ' ies carefully considering problems be-. _ fore attempting to raise the advisory voice.

Mr -Parkin, in responding, said the opinion of the -Motherland and colonics was growing in favor of seeing the Colonial -Office, equally with flic Foreign Office, above the arena of party, affording as it 'did opportunities adequate -for tlio highest ability and statesmanship.