BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE LION'S OFFSPRING. DOMINIONS' HELP SERVICE AT ST. MARGARET'S. Received Feb. 17, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 17. Tlie overseas service at St. Margaret's, Westminster, at mid-day was attended by twelve hundred Australian and New Zealand convalescents, who filled the body of the church. Tne entire congregation was in khaki. The troops marched to Westminster, headed by the Anzac Band. In contrast to their earlier appearances the Anzac who were suffering 'rom grave wounds, unable to walk and had to be assisted, are now ready to proceed to the front at a moment's notice.

Canon Carnegie, the rector, said he hoped that the oversea troops, their friends and relations, would regard St. Margaret'.s as their own parish church. This would be specially appropriate, because St. Margaret's was the House of Commons parish church, and the members of the Commons and the wkole English people wished to show their deep appreciation of what the Dominions had done during the momerjlous crisis in the Empire's fortunes. In the whole of history riiey had not found more inspiring, more pregnant, and more farreaching results than the magnificent rally of the Dominions to the support of tlie Empire. Tlie upraising of Britons close to tlie storm centre was not unexpected, notwithstanding the superficial signs of degeneracy, but the response of the Dominions exceeded all expectations. They were unfaltering, and determined not to spare blood and treasure. Their deeds of courage and selfsacrifice had been unsurpassed in British annals, and so far it was impossible to over-rate the world importance of these events. The material help of the Dominions was of great strength when Britain's icsources were strained to the utmost.

A LIVING EMPIRE. THAT MUST STAND TOGETHER. The preacher added: "We now know what formerly we could only hope for. The Empire was a living organism, bound by unbreakable ties, traditions, ideals, and ambitions. Our ordeal has aroused the race to a consciousness of Imperial consciousness, and the least imaginative people now realise that the Anglo-Saxons are destined to stand together, as a potent instrument in God's hands, for the propagation of the great principles of civilised progress. We must not lose the unique opportnnity, when so many of the Domiuionifes are in Britain, to deal with the intricate and difficult problems of re-organsation and consolidation which will tax all our foresight and intelligence to solve aright."

COMING HOME. WOUNDED NEW ZEALANDERS FAREAVELLED. London, Feb. 16. On Sunday a crowd of Anglo-New Zealanders at Paddington farewelled SO unfit men, under Captain Conway, who are returning on board the Turakina. Those, on the. platform included Sir Thomas Mackenzie. On helmlf of a committee of English women, Lady SmithDorrien presented a silk Union Jack and a metal shield, with the inscription: "To the New Zealand Heroes from the Women of England."

Miss Chamberlain, daughter of Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, said: "English women now realise that the British are one race in the Homeland and the dominions, and in future they will think, feel and act together in defence of the things for which they care, for justice, freedom, and human kindness."

The Anzac Band played "The Home Fires are Burning," and the departing soldiers were heartily cheered.

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS. London, Feb. 16. A proclamation prohibits the importation, except under license, of papermaking materials and periodicals exceeding 10 pages, except single copies by post. It also prohibits the importation of tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, furniture woods and hard woods. Another proclamation prohibits British vessels starting any voyage without a license. IN HIS SHELL, MODEST LORD NORTECLIFFE! Times and Sydney Sun Services. London, Feb. 111. Thousands of correspondents to the Mail and Loader newspapers suggest that Lord Northcliffe should become Minister for Air. Lord Northcliffe's reply is that others are better able to undertake the task, and furthermore that he could not conjcietttioualy join jdu Gov<an;a«aV '