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Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1924, Page 2

Tiik British Empire Exhibition will be the greatest tiling of tile kind that lias ever been known. There have been many noteworthy exhibitions in the past. The display of 1851 in London, tho famous Paris Exhibition, the AVorld’s Fair at Chicago, tho FrnncoBritish Exhibition that celebrated the crystallisation of tho Entente Cordialc, were all memorable in their degree. But they will he thrown into the shade by the one which is to open at AA'embiey this month. In size it will he a veritable city in itself. The scale upon which it is built may be gauged from the fact that rc of its pavilions, tlie Palace of Engineering covers an area, six times as large as that of Trafalgar Square. For several years past the work- of preparation and organisation lias been proceeding apace, and now it lias been definitely decided that the exhibition is to be opened on St. George’s Day, a most appropriate dute. Record bookings are reported bv tire steamship companies. The exhibition is the magnet which is drawing hundreds of thousands from

the wide-world over. And it is worth noting that many of those who are off to England from the dominions came to the latter as emigrants, and have done so well in their new homes tin't they are now in a position to take the trip. These, no doubt, will sing the praises of the land wherein they have prospered. Indeed, their visit to England is a token of success, which is propaganda in itself. The exhibition will he a unique and inspiring spectacle. It will make the untrnvelled Briton realise as lie never did before the wealth and resources of the Empire. It will imbue him with a sense of the unity of that great Commonwealth of Nations, of which we are members, and make him feel that if it is to endure there must he the closest co-operation and nnder.st.im'jing. * Tt will enlarge his horizon. And we may hope that as a result- of all these influences, this hotter knowledge, this intercourse with their brethren from oversea, the people of England, and through them the Government, may awaken to a still clearer understanding of Empire problems, and may take still wider views.

” Tin: British cruiser squadron is continuing its world tour with notable success. Its object is to “sbow tbe 1 flag”, to bring borne to tbe dominions - tbe meaning of sea power, and,, inci--1 dentally, to remind them that as far as tbe British Empire is concerned the need oF a strong navy has not disappeared. But the cruise has already

done a great deal to direct attention to t!:e dominions. Full reports of the squadron's doings have been cabled to tbe Press in Britain, and these have been supplemented by articles by correspondents. Tbe British have watch-

ed its progress with pride and gratitude. They have been delighted with the enthusiasm and hospitality wnh which it has been everywhere greeted. Tim warmth of its rceoirGo.i has dented an excellent impress'll ah lough no one ever imagined for a single moment that its treatment would be different. Moreover, the personnel of the squadron numbers between five and six thousand men. They are seeing something of Mhe dominions at first hand, and are able to recognise wlint opportunities they offer to one who is not afraid of bard work. We may suppose that they will communicate their discovery to their relatives and friends, and it would not be surprising if one effect- of the cruise will lie to give an impulse to migration. Indeed, He Vice-Admiral. Sir Frederick Field, has expressed the opinion that many of our visitors will return to Australia when their period of service has expired, next time to stay. We eonld ask for no better material, says an exchange, than the adaptable vigorous “handvnian”.