EMPIRE DAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, 25 May 1912, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY.

CELEBRATIONS SPOILT BY RAIN IN SYDNEY. PATRIOTIC SPEECHES. Sydney, May 24. Incessant soaking rain spoiled the cut-door Empire Day celebrations. The hulk of the schools held indoor demonstrations of the usual patriotic description. There was a big and enthusiastic gathering at the Royal Exchange, which was appropriately decorated, the Cathedral choir providing patriotic anthems and songs. A feature of the gathering was the speeches by Admiral King Hall and Sir Joseph Ward. Admiral King Hall said that the control of the sea highways was absolutely necessary if we were to retain independence. This 'applied to Australia as well as to the rest of the Empire. Ho was more convinced than ever that no other policy was pas sihlo the present Australian naval policy, in view of the growing national feeling in Australia.

Sir Joseph Ward said that tho position of tho British Empire was remarkable. No past empire had exemplified the family relationship of a mother nation and a galaxy of young nations like it. The solidarity and impregnability of the Empire were the goal for which all wore working. The

British Navy must be in an unquestionable state of efficiency and power if the peace of the world was to be insured. He believed that the people overseas should look forward to a great Imperial Parliament whore the Dominions would he represented .and the prime duty of which would he to control Imperial defence and create and maintain a great Imperial navy to guard every portion of the Empire.

CELEBRATIONS TN BRITAIN. (Received 21, 0.50 a.in.) London, May 21. Five and a quarter million school children in the United Kingdom and four and a quarter in the Dominions celebrated Empire Day. Lord Meath and the Lord Mayor addressed large gatherings at the Guildhall. All members of the Stock Exchange were present. The National Anthem was sung, processions were held, and speeches delivered in many towns and villages. The Times published a 48page Empire Supplement, chiefly Canadian, also dealing with Australian defence and life in New Zealand. “AVATAR OF JINGOISM.” (Received 25, 10.30 a.m.) Sydney, May 25. Father O’Reilly, president of St. Stanirlan’s College, Bathurst, in an Australia Day speech, said he did not believe in Empire Day, because it was the avator of the jingo spirit of the Old Country. A onng Australia had good reason to hate Imperialism. Aus-

tralians were deficient in patriotism only because they were taught to look to England for everything. 4ct their own interests were often conflicting and in the conflict we must be Australians first. In Tasmania, South Australia, and West Australia Empire Day celebrations were general and enthusiastic. |

SUNIORY SPORTS, .MAXWELL v. PORTER. (Per Press Association A I Wanganui, May 24. > The professional light-weight hox-j in g contest between Allen Max well | (’Kawera) and Leon T'orter (Hastings); took place .at the Wanganui Boxingj A asocial ion’s tournament to-night. I T!i° bout, which was for a purse ofj eg), went the full fifteen rounds. Por-| ter winning on points. 1 For Influenza tan 1 Woods’ Great : Peppermint Cure. Never Fail?. >s I