A Speech by Mr Chamberlain.

Manawatu Herald, 25 January 1896, Page 2

A Speech by Mr Chamberlain.

At a banquet to Lord Hamingfcon (the new Governor of Queensland), at which 200 persons were present, Mr Chamberlain, in the course of his speech, said the incidents in the Transvaal had shown that it was impossible for a portion of the Empire to be in danger without an echo from the whole Empire. England's love of peace was regarded as a weakness, and her disregard of criticism was supposed to confer the right of in - suit ; but the prestige of the Empire was held in trust for the British people throughout the world, and he was determined that the rights of Great Britain should be maintained while she at the same time maintained her duties. Though isolated, the colonies were secure. He urged the colonies to develop commercial routes and unite for mutual defence, as a federated Empire was a potent factor in the peace of the world. Their departing guest would, he predicted, aid in tightening the bonds of of union, and, he added, it was impossible to foretell to what greatness Queensland might attain. He also alluded to a certain rebuke England had received amidst her misfortunes when surrounded by jealous rivals. She had, he said, been shown hostility and evan hatred where she had expected friendship, in view of the traditions of the past and the community of interests involved. Mr Chamberlain's reference to the German Emperor evoked the singing

•

of " The National Anthem " and 11 Rule Britannia." He twice quoted Tennyson'B ode* " Long live the flag, the fleet and throne," which wa3 raceived with cheers.