BRILLIANT SPEECHES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12604, 15 November 1926, Page 7

BRILLIANT SPEECHES

LEADERS OF EMPIRE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE DINNER LASTING UNITY DESIRED By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian ami N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 14, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 12. Brilliant speeches distinguished the dinner given by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Empire to delegates to the Imperial Conference. Lord Kylsant presided, and the guests included prominent British commercial men, High Commissioners and Agents-General. Lord Birkenhead, in proposing the toast of “Overseas Dominions,” after an optimistic reference to the real strike negotiations, said the ideal of Empire is that one of its members, whether in Winnipeg. Dublin, or Sydney. is a fellow of the whole. “The time has come,” he said, “for realising the conditions under which a

community such as ours can survive' You cannot confine sentiment in a straight waistcoat. I would approach the future of the Empire in the spirit of that amateur cast which rehearsed vilely but always knew when night came it would turn out properly.” After reviewing the Empire’s part in the war. Lord Birkenhead said the greatest desire to attain a decision marked the Imperial Conference’s discussions. many of which would lead to lasting haMamf. WHAT EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT Mr. Stanley Bruce declared that every participant in the Imperial Conference appreciates the obligation to contribute to the unity and prosperity of the Empire. “The fundamental principle emerging from our experience,” stated Mr Bruce, “is that we shall maintain the people’s standard of living. “We are no longer prepared to eccept the prosperity gained by the great overseas trade in foreign if it is achieved through the sufferings and degradation of our own people. We in Australia have established this principle, and hold it most sacred. “The Only way the Empire can achieve it is by developing the Empire’s resources. The Dominions desire to co-operate in this direction. The responsibility rests on Britain, which must set her face towards the task. . BRITAIN'S RESPONSIBILITY "The present conference will be regarded as oue that did something to stir the British, people to increase production and distribution, and to coordinate scientific research. Great things should flow from the lead thus given. Britain must look into the future and think in terms of the future. You must make up your minds what you are going, to do." Mr J. G. Ceates (New Zealand) urged visualisation of the Empire as a unity, and pointed out the trade opportunities of the Dominions in whieh the chambers of commerce could help. itfr N. S. Monroe (Newfoundland) advocated the development of the economie side of the conference. .“If we are united economically, socially and politically the end can take care of itself. The Dominions should buy from Britain and vice-versa. Newfoundland had the world’s greatest deposit of iron ore. yet Britain imported iron from Spain and Sweden, and we have to sell to Germany.” FREEDOM-LOVING PEOPLE Mr N. C. Havenga said South Africa included the descendants of two stubborn freedom-loving peoples. They would not accept any appearance of domination imposed upon them, but as long as the present constitutional position wns appreciated as it was b.v Lord Birkenhead inside the conference they would find a roadv desire to shape the South African peoples’ determination to retain their association with the British commonwealth of nations. FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE Mr L. C. Amerv. in proposing the toast of “Federation of Chambers of Commerce,” declared the present Imperial Conference would prove memorable. Tt started without great hopes of results which armeal to the public imagination, hut with a s»ns£ of what .is practical and real it laid in more than one direction solid foundations for the future.