EMPIRE DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 25 May 1907, Page 3

EMPIRE DAY.

INSPIRING MESSAGES FROM COLONIAL PKEMiEKS. AN APPEAL FOR I'AIUOTISM. Received 24th, 10.19 p.m. London, May 24. Mr Deakin sent the following message to the Standard: "Empire Day shou:d arouse ali British people to our responsibilities, which are vast as our domains. We have a new Empire in til? making, and it is we who are making it. Though its evolution is proceeding slowly, we but imperfectly realise the' nature or growth of its greatness • emerging by degrees from under tlu\ shadow of the Empire's old barb irons despotism. We are only now becoming ajblc to see it in the liglit of its own ideals, human, ethical, and civilising. With these we ar.' Mipplanting the ancient lust of rule, substituting peaceful self-development in liberty under iaiv. While the sceptre of Empire extenls protection and justice to scores of millions of its subjects of other r.;ccs, it induces with motherly attention, and retains with brotherly loyalty, true family life amongst its own kin. Xh-ii self-governments, still in course of adjustment to local circumstances, and . continuing to readjust themselves to the grave necessities of modem times, wii.l ( gradually expand into free flexible, 'a- j tional organisation, applicable to tlicr j Empire as a whole. There were no precedents for this boM endeavor, and the processes require to be wisely chosen and well-tested, but by mutual aid, patience, forbearance and strenuous efforts towards integration, we may jet attain to that unity of influence, commensurate to the height and breadth of achievement- still open to us this Empire t Day." 0

Then follows Dr Jameson's message, warning against the danger of losing our heritage, if it fail to unite Britain and the growing oversea nationalities on an organised and durable'basis. Finally, Sir R. Bond offers best -wishes for a united Empire, united in bonds and sentiment, and strengthened bv material ties resting upon mutual eoncessions and mutual obligations.

CELEBRATIONS IN NEW SOUTH WALES. Received 24th, 11.21 p.m. Sydney, May 24. There was fine weather for the Empire Day celebrations, which were general throughout the State and are steadily gaining in popularity. The city and shipping were gaily decorated, ;-.nd badges were everywhere in evidence. Appropriate speeches were made by the leading citizens at school gatherings, the most imposing being a combined demonstration of 2500 children at Victoria Barracks, General Gordon and others delivering patriotic addresses. There was an interesting ceremony In connection with the handing over .if the flagstaff and flag presented to cue city by the women't branch of the Empire League, and erected on a reserve in Hacquarie Place, on the spot the first proclamation of British po>Bession was made. The Royal Exchange observed the occasion with the usual enthusiasm, and the addresses were permeated by the Empire spirit. Throughout the day and night, bands paraded various parts of the city, and rendered patriotic selections. Great crowds are viewing the illuminations of the Queen's Statue, some of the public buildings, and the warships. : IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. SIX MILLION CHILDREN PARTICLTICIPATE. Received 24th, 11.58 p.m. London, May 24. Eight hundred thousand school ehi'dren in London, and 5,000,000 throughout the United Kingdom take part in the ceremony of saluting the flag to-day* * IN CANADA. Received 24th, 11.58 p.m. Ottawa, May 24. < Empire Day was observed iu the On- - tario schools yesterday. Twenty-five thousand schooi children participated in a procession at Toronto, and decorated the Queen Victoria monument in Queen's Park. Per -Press Association. Wellington, May 24. Empire Day was observed at the city and suburban schools by flag saluting ceremonies, and the delivery of appropriate addresses to the scholars. The Governor and Minister for Education visited the Terrace school, and spoke briefly to the children. They also presented the $ medals and shield to the squad of cadets .who had won the North Island championship. Lord Plunket said he had that morn- ' ing- received a cablegram from Lord Meath, originator of the Empire Day movement. It contained only two words of Nelson's signal, but they were enough. The statue of Queen Victoria, in l'.v.t . Office Square, has, through the forethought of lady members of the Navy League, been decorated to-day with wreaths of flowers, and garlands of

greenery. This evening the City Council, assisted by the Navy League, provided a patriotic concert at the Town Hall.