EMPIRE DAY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 282, 25 May 1912, Page 5

EMPIRE DAY

{ SIR JOSEPH WARD'S MESSAGE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. , Sydney, May 24. Sir Joseph Ward's Empire Day message is as follows:—"Unity and strength, to secure and maintain 'which ire must subordinate all minor differences and work unitedly to draw closer the bonds •f Empire. Let the motto be "United we stand, divided we fall.'" PATRIOTIC SPEECHES. Received 24, 9.5 p.m. Sydney, May 24. Incessant soaking rain spoiled the outdoor Empire Day celebrations. The bulk '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 £he 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. He was more convinced than ever that no other policy was possible than the present Australian naval policy, in view of the growing national feeling in Australia. Sir Joseph Ward said that the position of the '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 .were 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 foriward to a great Imperial Parliament (where the Dominions would be 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.