THE HOLIDAY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9463, 4 June 1909, Page 5

THE HOLIDAY.

Pbr Press Association. Christchurch, Jtme 3 ! . The half-holiday is not generally observed to-day. Canterbury Col> lege celebrated it as Empire Day with a gathering in theJCollege Hall, addresses, and patriotic songs. Lord Plunbet presided. The route from the street from the College entrance was lined on either side by High School cadets. The corps presented arms on Lord Plnnket’s arrival with bugle calls. Many representative citizens were present. Prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Erwin, and the “Old Hundred’’ was sung. Lord Plunket delivered a speech of same length. Ho thanked the College for finding it advisable to celebrate Empire Day to-day as it gave him a chance to be with them. He deprecated jingoism in these celebrations. It would be far better to realise the difficulties and responsibilities of Empire. The Empire is one of tremendous strength, but stupendous carelessness is displayed in arranging the Empire’s forces. Recent events would be a blessing in disguise if the only result would be the Naval Conference. He referred to the excellent spirit actuating the various colonies, and expressed admiration of New Zealand’s Dreadnought offer.