LORD DUDLEY’S BANQUET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2232, 2 July 1908, Page 3

LORD DUDLEY’S BANQUET.

SPEECH ELY EARL OF CREWE.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S REPLY

United Press Association, Copyright

, , LONDON, June 30. Continuing his speech at the banquet to Lord the' Lari of Crewe Inentioned the .difficulties associated with the eirly years of the American Constitution, and said that ere long any similar existing difficulties of the Commonwealth, if not forgotten, would be positively' rejoiced an. ‘‘Forsam et haec dim meninisee juvabit,” .they would' say. [“Perhaps it wilt be a pleasure to us somo day to remember even these things. ■ —Virgil.] “If we had not- teen so virile a race,” ho continued; ‘if our Btatesmen had been less urgent and energitie, we would have settled down more easily than we did to working this Constitution. Any little rubs and difficulties are merely testimony . : to our qualities, just as a-high-cour-aged horse in harness feels the rub ■ of the collar which would have passed unnoticed by a humble relative drawing a costermonger’s cart, but if lord Dudley finds any little symptoms of friction, I am certain his tact and personal judgment will contribute to its alleviation. He goes among new faces, but not other minds. He will find in Australia that purest of, local patriotism which is of assistance to the wider patriotisms of. the Empire, and that wider patriotism he will find there in abundance.” Lord Dudley, who was given a great ovation, said that nobody recognised more clearly the responsibility of the office-, or how easy it was to make; mistakes. Therefore it was very encouraging to take up tho • duties' with the goodwill of those among whom ho was going to dwell. He was anxious to do so unfettered by pre-conceived notions or- prematnro utterances. He recognised, clearly that lie was not an exponent of a ■particular policy, hub the representative of a constitutional sovereign in •a constitution largely founded oil theirs. Therefore he must hear in •mind that it was important 'to observe reticence and caution. Questions wero apt to .rise wherein the standpoint of the colonies differed from that of tho Motherland.’; hut thero need be ho misgivings if’,they •wore treated in a broad, sensible way, and if there continued to exist in colonials and the Motherland constant recognition of the necessity for • mutual . concession. . The ; Empire should be a great co-partnership, each partner living his . life, rearing his family under conditions differing from those of his associates. Hence the M'hole cohesion was vital to elasticity and essential too. He described the Eart of Crewe as a wire, cautions, .fearless, and broad-minded adviser. Ho hoped with the '.help of ' tho Earl-of Crowe and tho distinguished advisers surrounding- him (Lord Dudleyl in Australia, to he . successful in discharging iiis duties. Lord Curzon, proposing tho “Oversea Dominions,” emphasised tho mutual dependence and the Motherland’s indebtedness to the colonies. . Mr. Kidson,' -proposing the “Chairman.” said ho believed the -Dominions would find in the Earl of Crewo a sympathetic, able and efficient ndinui- ; istrator. Deferring to the cost of the Empire’s burden, lie said a better ' sentiment and recognition of their position was dawning upon Australia. ns also upon other Dominions. Tho guests •included; Mr.- W. P, Reeves. High Couiiuiesh-iier for New Zealand, and Cane i Wil'iuns. Twelve hundred attended ,a reception after • the banquet.'' Lord Dudley exprc.sed a hope that British naval supremacy would ever be regarded as the keystone of tlio Empire's policy and existence. Lord Dudley travels to Canada aboard the Indomitable with the Prince of- Wales, leaving cm the loth.