MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1917, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

r- : -r.'ij.. EMPIRE REPRESENTATIVESHONORED. GREAT SPEECH BY GENERAL SMUTS. .• ..iTI-XG FOR FREEDOM. Reutor Service Received May 2, 5.5 p.m. London, May 1. The freedom of the City of ifondon has been conferred upon live Empire representatives—General the Hon. J. C. Smuts (,•south African Minister of Defence), the Rt. Hon. Sir E. P. Morris (Premier of Newfoundland), the Hon. Sir James S. Weston (Governor of the united provinces of Agra and Dudh), the Maharajah of Bikanir, and Sir Sutyendra fciiitra (member of the Vicerov's Council). General Smuts, in tlie course of his speech, said that of tlie white inhabitants of the Empire, one-quarter live beyond tile seas, practically having no interest in the struggles and feuds of Old Europe, yet nve see what they have done voluntarily, and why they have made such a magnifloent effort. It was not to help the 'Mother CountrV. but to help the cause, which is as much theirs as hers—the cause of freedom. We shall never understand the mightiness of the effort of the British Empire until wo recognise the fight is not for mere selfinterest or mean small issues, hut, greatest of all, it is because all realise , that the greatest- essential to tho fundamental interest of humanity is at stake* That old cause, for which millions have in all ages sacrificed their all, is once again in danger, and that is why you witness in this spontaneous uprising not only among the nations of the British Empire, but of the world. DIFFICULTIES 'AHEAD. I The end of the war is approaching, but there must lie difficult, anxious and dangerous weeks and monvhs ahead. Let us be neither too elated by victory, nor too depressed by ill fortune. Greater forcej are fighting for us than our armies. The spirit of freedom is on the wing, and tliab great creative spirit is once more moving among the nations in their unspeakable agonies. Let us gather inspiration from our cause, and when, the end comes endeavor to

BUILD ,UP A BETTER WORLD

an enduring foundation of liberty. Critics, before the war, said the country was corrupted by our wealth, that we had grown soft, and that the day of test would , find us wanting. When the day of tria} came, we showed what free men could do in the greatest conflict of the world. Britishers aro financially the moral and, in a great sense, the military mainstay of the 'Whole Alliance. The enemy calculated upon apathy, even disruption, among the free nations of the Commonwealth of the but the Imperial free men camo forward and did their duty, not merely to help tho Mother Country, but they felt .when liberty was endangered in Europe it was endangered all over the world. America joined because this was a War of freedom against slavery and military despotism.

QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. COASTAL RAIDS. Received May 2, 5.5 p.m. London, May 1. In the 1 House of Commons, Mr Dalziel asked why enemy attacks were posstMe on the Kent Coast while British attacks on Zeebrugge were apparently impossible. Sir E. Carson said it' must he remembered that although the loss of life in these raids was regrettable, they do not possess any military value. He assured the 'House that continuous attention was given to this area. Mr Houston: Can you explain how enemy destroyers pass through our minefields with impunity? Sir E. Carson:. I cannot explain. THE KING AT SALISBURY. NEW ZEALAKIDERS REVIEWED. London, May 1. The King, accompanied by Sir A Godley aiul Sir lan 'Hamilton, reviewed: the New Zealand/ rcinforcemcnti units on Salisbury Plain. The weather was warm and fine. After the march" "past the King presented one Distinguished Conduct Medal and eight Military Medals, congratulating tho recipients. Afterwards, Mr Massey, Sir Joseph Ward, Sir T. Mackenzie, their wives, and a number of New Zealanders, ladies and officers, were presented to tho King. The latter congratulated the massed troops on their fine nppearance. Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward addressed the troops, and the party afterwards visited -Hie New Zealand Soldiers' Club at Salisbury, MESSAGE TO THE TROOPS.' Received May 2, .15 p.m. London, May 1. The Press Bureau states that tho King, in his message to Brigadier-Gen-eral Johnston, said:—°"lt was a pleasure to mo to inspect tlio training units of iny New Zealand troops 1 , and thus show my appreciation of their splendid services in the great war. You are the representatives in the Motherland of those comrades whose glorious deeds at Callipoli, Egypt, Palestine, and Flanders have helped to immortalise the name of Anzac. From the appearance displayed by all ranks on parade, I am satisfied you, in your turn, will uphold the fama of the regions to which you lielong." NEW, ZEALANDERS DECORATED. Received May 2, £55 p.m. London, May! 1. Captain C. tN. Newman and two noncom. Norn Zealanders were awarded; the Croix "da. Cuerre, and one New; Zea-i lander the Medalle Militaire.