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Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1927, Page 2

AVitii regard to the general altitude of Labour towards the Empire, it is interesting to recall that the other day. at a meeting of the League of Nations Union in London, Air .1. R. dynes declared that be and the class to which lie belongs are ‘‘proud of oui Empire.” It is well to be reminded from time to time, says an exchange, that not all members of the Labour party, either in Britain or the Dominions, are liable to regard me Empire as a “blood-stained fetish,” or to associate it constantly in their public speeches with “militarism'’ and “Imperialism.” Not many years ago certain Labour leaders on this side of the world even expressed tin* pious hope that the Empire might to destroyed. But it is a far cry from men of Ibis type to .Mr dynes, who, though be is a. stalwart upholder of the rights of Labour, won a deservedly high reputation as .Minister in the A\ ar Cabinet for bis moderation and breadth of view. It is true that Air 'Clvnes refuses to regard the British Empire as “a substitute for the League of Nations.” But lie and bis Labour colleagues might freely admit that while the League is still only in embryo, the Empire has been for a century the Strongest organisation in the world making for peace. It would appear from the speeches of many Labour leaders that great things are possible from (llie League of Nations. But as yet the League is largely an ideal, and with a great country shell as the l idled Stales holding aloof, it is not possible to attain the ideal. There are those who look to the British Empire to assure the fortunes of the League. That is a great tribute to the Empire, hut to attempt the task would throw enormous responsibilities on the Empire, and the burden might prove over much. Britain has not baulked its part in the shouldering of the white man’s burden, and though the east has been great, the service has-been worth while. lVt, ns a part of the whole the Empire is the King pin to-day in the League of Nations scheme. That means that Britain is striving for universal peace. Her sacrifice in the Great AYar was prompted by the desire to help a weak nation against a great wrong-doer. It was a noble sacrifice and the reward is no loss noble. -Britain has the respect and admiration of the nations, and Air Clvnes might well lie proud of tlie Empire which united for the common cause. The Empire is certainly playing its part towards the ideal of the League of Nations, and the very strength of the Empire is a sure bulwark to the prospects of the League before the world.