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Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1924, Page 2

In connection with the celebration of Empire Day in England, the Hon. J. R. dynes M.P.. Lord Privy Seal published the following letter:—Tn Great Britain and the Dominions beyond the seas, to-day will he celebrated as Empire Day. For twenty years each nation has marked appropiiately the spirit and the devotion by which our Commonwealth has been built up. Whether there has been or now is adequate recognition of the duties and responsibilities which lie upon the shoulders of Imperial citizens is another matter. Tn the heart of the Commonwealth to-day are something like 1.000.000 unemployed men and women. In the far reaches of the daughter nations are millions of acres awaiting only the coming of man. his energy and his application to yield a rich bounty; and not until population in sufficient numbers is obtained will such countries come into their own. Tt is said that the majority of our unemployed are not fitted for the laborious, if profitable, tasks available overseas. Is this really so? Dues the spirit, the resource, which years ago took across the seas the pioneers of Empire no longer exist? It does; and we should attract- those who possess it to the lands where, under just conditions, their future is assured. Mo-day we may well remember that Empire docs a,, i stand tor aggression hut foi human progress and world peace; and take up again with new heart and furbished ideals, the sacred trust of Empire settlement, as an equal boon for the country and the colonist.