COLONIAL BANQUET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 311, 26 May 1911, Page 5

COLONIAL BANQUET.

EVOLUTION OF SELF-GOVERNMENT. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT'S COMMENTS By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 25, 10 p.m. London, May 25. The Colonial Institute's banquet at the Hotel Cecil was the largest and most successful held in its history. Among those present were Lords Lucas, Denman, Strathcona, Lamington, Kitchener and Stanhope, Sir Geo. Reid and Sir William Hall-Jones, Dr. Findlay, the Lord Mayor, and prominent colonials. The Duke of Connauglit presided. In proposing the toast of the ''Overseas Dominions," he said conferences undoubtedly worked for the well-being of the Empire, welding its parts into a great indissoluble whole. The evolution of self-government dominions was one of the most important British contributions to Imperial science. He earnestly hoped the universities of the.Empire would give that theme a definite and compulsory place in the curriculum, and for degrees for proficiency in modern history.

A REVIEW OF THE COLONIES. NEW ZEALAND'S GREAT OFFER. ENORMOUS AWAKENING EFFECT. Received 25, 10.45 p.m. London, May 25. The Duke of Connaught, continuing, said that judging by statistics and the indications there would be a million immigrants to Canada during 11)1.1, making a population of 8,000,000. He noted with satisfaction that they were fully adopting the Old Country's institutions. He referred to Canada's determination to co-operate closely with the British Navy, and mentioned that Australia was seriously undertaking immigration. He referred to New Zealand's unbroken career of prosperity. Its immigrants, though apparently restricted, were of the highest quality. He mentioned that Australia and New Zealand were profitting by Lord Kitchener's visit and that there was a readiness on the part of the young men to perform the service. He recalled New Zealand's spontaneous offer of one or two Dreadnoughts, and its enormous effect in awakening the Motherland. He was more than ever satisfied that the foundation stone of South African union had in every sense been well and truly laid. CANADA'S INTENTIONS. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, responding, said there might be doubts and misgivings regarding Canada's future. Some considered they had come to the parting of the ways. Canada, however, had no doubt of the way she would follow. If any existed, let all doubts cease, for Canada had shaped her course—she intended to remain a nation within the Empire.

CANADA'S GREAT FUTURE. Received 25, 10.30 p.m. London, May 25. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, continuing his speech, said the nineteenth century belonged to the United States and the twentieth to Canada, which was drawing 100,000 people annually from the States. There was no danger of severance from British connection, as long as the country was given freedom, liberty and happiness. AUSTRALIA'S WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES. Mr. Fisher said that were Australia in Canada's fortunate position of being alongside seven millions of people of similar ideas as her own, she would not fear their peaceful invasion, for there was room and untold wealth within her borders. If Australia were nearer Europe, she would be better understood and attract more of the Motherland's people. He hoped the representative men of the United Kingdom would follow the example of the King and Queen a»d discover Australia's necessities for themselves. GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE COLONIES. Sir Joseph Ward declared that if they could have seen what occurred in New Zealand on this Empire Day they would see thirty thousand cadets honoring the flag of old England. New Zealand realised that there was no better foundation of defence than commencing with the youth in the schools. He approved of the Duke of Connaught's suggestion regarding incorporating the teaching oi British and colonial history in' the curriculum of the universities, and thought governors and governors-general should he instructed not to remain for their whole term within the dominions, but malte periodical exchanges. Why should not the Duke of Connaught go for a few months to Australia and then to New Zealand, and Lord Denham to New Zealand and Canada? Let British Ministers, let the whole Cabinet come to the dominions for a month or two during the recess. (Laughter and cheers). He concluded bv acknowledging Mr. Lewis Harcourt's kindness to the premiers I since their arrival in London.