THE AWAKENED EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 76, 8 July 1910, Page 5

THE AWAKENED EMPIRE.

WHERE REFORM COMES FROM. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received July 7, 9.30 p.m. London, July 7. Lord Onslow presided at the Imperial to-operation League's luncheon. ( Sir G. H. Reid, after referring to the 'waking up" of the Empire, detailed Australia's plans for compulsory military training. He thought all parties in England might make this a non-party question, as in Australia. The Australian navy was going to be particularly small, but very vigorous. Far stronger, however, was the feeling behind it. It was now realised that the whole of the destinies of the Empire might depend on the result of one great encounter. Australia had never perceived so clearlv that its own defence was a pari of Imperial defence. Referring to commerce, he thoroughly believed in the sort of preference enabling the country to prefer its own products first, and the products of other parts of the Empire next. That sort of preference did not need Acts of Parliament. If the people bought, firstly, British, and then colonial goods, they could have a measure of tariff reform not requiring the Royal assent. Parliament was not the true centre of reforms. The true centre of national reform lay in the hearts, the understandings, and the habits of the whole people.