THE COMPLACENT BRITISH.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1916, Page 5

THE COMPLACENT BRITISH.

PBOWSING IX ELYSIAN FIELDS^ ■■ yiGOKOUS WORDS FROM MH,j , . HUGHES. " '" >: London-, May H" The City of Westminster flresenteS Mr. W. M. Hughes (Prime Minister of Australia) with an addres* of welcom* framed in gold, upon his return to the ancient city, in which he spent Ma schooldays. The address stated: "W« feel it a signal honor for one who li*ec( his early years in Westminster to return as Prime Minister of the great Com* monwealth. We recognise the leading pnrt you have taken in calling Australia's splendid manhood to the causa of liberty and justice. Their deeds ihava won undying fame. Your courage and v statesmanship are destined to be a powerful influence in the future of tiwi Empire." There was a distinguished gathering of aldermen, councillors, and leading: citizens. Mr. Andrew Fisher (High Conn : missioner for Australia) and the Colon* Ul Agents-General were aiso present. The Mayor (Sir George Welby) saidj that the German newspapers had shown that they did not love Mr. Hughe*. , There could not be a higher testimotoiaL Westminster had sent a message of »yon pathy and goodwill to Australia. Mr. Hughes said he had been christen*. cd, confirmed, and educated in West* minster. He did not disparage in* teaching of those days, but when Bwt went out, to become a pupil of the Uai* .versity of the World, nobody was Votse 1 'equipped. The British people browsed ir. Elysian fields, self-satisfied, but wra losing their virile qualities. If the .German barbarian had not made a false ■ ' step, due to his insatiable ambition, buff - ; had postponed his attack for a. genera* ' tion, he would easily have beenviM ' torious, leaving the British an economic* . ally-emasculated people. Australia was ' the nucleus of an Empire greater than ! the world had seen. Whether or not ' the economic equilibrium of the t/orW changed its centre to the Pacific, Aw 1 tralia would still be a greas inftnenw 1 in the progress of the world. The Australian fighter did not believe there wai a better man on earth than hittwetf, ' ftnd he was now doing his best to pro.?* ;*■ -_- -;