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Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1931, Page 4

A feature of the passing of Empire Day on Sunday was it s recognition in England and also in Australia. In England we were informed by a cable message there was a special commem oration in Hyde Park where a notanie gathering took place. In Australia the wireless conveyed addresses, throughout the afternoon and evening, evidently delivered before large audiences, stressing the value of Empue Hay as a symbol of the Empire itself. The spirit of our fathers was referreu to, and the great opportunity particularly of Australia to build up a national home worthy of the great Empire to which it belonged, was stressed, specially. 'Hie trend of the addresses was aimed at the stressful times besetting the country, and the false position into which the Commonwealth was drifting was not true to the tenets which the nation was prepared to observe. It was clear from the fervour of the speakers, how imbued many public minds are with the catastrophic dangers besotting Australia, and the strong urge there was on the people to be up and doing to counteract the evil that was being done. The response in applause and appreciation of the ! remarks of the speakers was very remarkable. Not a note of dissent was struck, and the sound sentiments of loyalty expressed found ready approval in the plaudits following the remarks. This healthy tone bodes well

for the future of Australia once the

present political tangle can. be unravelled. The latest news respecting the financial position of the country is very disquieting. The Labour leadership is leading the country from great muddling to greater, and a very clouded outlook presents itself. The story revealed in -Saturday’s table news of the great army of unemployed in New South Wales is not any commendation to the worker of the pen ins of a Labour Government. The fact is New South Wales is in the throes of a far reaching financial crisis, and the Labour leaders have not the ability nor the inclination to face the facts and set the house in order. Now Zealand has its crisis to face, also, but here the Prime Minister lias not shirked an obvious duty. He has set about :t difficult (and of course unpopular) duty with the greatest courage, but there are those in the Labour camp who will not give him either credit nor help to maintain the good name of New Zealand. The future mlist be considered as well as the present, and that is the task Mr Forbes is attempting and which Mr Lang in New South Wales avoids. The nitshot as revealed by the condition of the two countries is the complete answer as to who is on the right course. The situation calls for demonstration of the spirit which made the Empire, which was created only by sacrifice, and that is the price also of its maintenance;