MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1918, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

OVERSEAS REPRESENT- ' ATIVES. i ' ] EOTERTAESTED AT HOUSE OF UOEiOS. SOME STIRRING SPEECHES. ] Received June 23, 5 a p.m. j London, June 2*2. , lord Finlay presided over a brilliant assemblage of Parliamentary aasocia- , tions at a supper in the Royal Galleries of the House of Lords. Mr. Asquith, the Marquis of Crewe, Earl Curzon, Mr. Balfour, Mr Bonar Law, Mr. Long, Viscount ; Milner, General Smuts, Earl Selborne, and many lords and members of the ' House of Commons were present. (PREMIER'S TRIBUTE TO DOMINIONS. Mr. Lloyd George proposed the toast of "Our Calbinet Colleagues from the Dominions," whom he said represented the most democratic countries in the world. We know the shrewdness, courage, and sagacity they brought to bear on the problems of the Empire- When men had borne an incessant strain for months and years on one issue, it was a relief to have the support of other minds, fresh and sincere. This wae supplied by the men from the Dominions. The names of Messrs Hughes and Mas|ey were as well known in the United Kingdom as in their own lands. These representatives of the consciousness of the Empire represented a real help to our country, in a real need. We know their people are fighting for the cause of freedom and right. We also know they came more eagerly and more readily because they knew the Old Country had championed their rights. The Old Country was proud and was grateful to their kinsmen's representatives who came to participate in the councils of the Empire to establish the best methods of right and justice on earth. OUR FOES ANGERED. In this war Britain's Empire had disappointed her foes. Sadly, bitterly, angrily, tfiey think what would have happened to the world had Britain's Empire not been there. It held the seas for ourselves and our .Allies. Nothing in the history of sea warfare can compare to the resource, skill, and daring with which our Navy and marines had conquered those sharks of the high seas. The worfc of the Njjvy wae an old story, but what we had done on land was something new. There had never been anything quite like it in our years. It raised six million men for sea and land. Our nearest dominion was a thousand milei away, yet they sent a million men. Germany regarded these men as raw levies, easily to be swept away by her trained legions, yet for the last three months these men had held up Germany's masses. This was a great achievement. Likewise, India was guarding the approaches to the Eastenj Empire, and would guard it to the endGermany thought the ties which hound the Empire were paper ties, which would turn to black dust at the first scorch of the fires of war. THE MOST POTEiNT TIES. The most potent ties which bound the Empire were those of sympathy of common ideas and common aims. All that we hold best in the world is safer to-day by reason of the existence of the British Empire. The Cabinet Council was the outcome of previous conferences, accelerated into being by the war, and would be the forerunner of a succession of councils which, for generations to come, will wield the power of the greatest collection of nations the world had ever seen. MR. HUGHES ON EMPIRE SOLIDARITY. Mr. Hughes, who followed, said: Looking back over the last four years, we are proud to think that the Empire, despite its dread trials, was to-day more firmly united on the vital issues of the war than ever. The greatest battle of all ages was now raging, on the issue of which hangs the fate of the Empire and the world. The next few weeks may decide whether we shall be bondmen or free; whether liberty and justice shall prevail or be crushed beneath the juggernaut of military despotism, We are all weary worn with war, yet tie Empire stands firm, united, and resolved to conquer, assured of victory and resolved to have a peace enduringly based on liberty and justice. When the tocsin sounded, the children of the Dominions took the great step which confounded the enemy's calculations, inspired every Briton's soul, and even now constitutes one of the outstanding features of the war. When the <Empire was in danger the free sons of the Dominions sprang to arms in the Empire's defence Before that, the Empire was to them an empty word, something vague, almost lifeless; but in the hour of trial the Empire assumed a new and inspiring shape. What was dead became gloriously alive. LET DEEDS SPEAK. The Dominions. and India played a part in the war of which they had a right to ibe proud, in regard to valor, initiative, and endurance- Let their deeds speak for them! No man could say how, or in what form, the Empire is held together. We firmly and fervently believe it will not only hold together, but will be more closely cemented together by trials, tribulation, and ficeOur Empire will endure because it rests on a granite foundation; because it is in very truth a league of free nations, each marching to its destiny in its own way, but linked by ties ef blood, great ideals, and material interests. A clearer understanding of the problems confronting us will do much to make the Empire's future certain. THE OLD ORDER MOST OHA2JGE. We, from the dominions, have realised ! in the last few years how little we understood Britain, and even to a fuller extent how little Britain understood us. This must pass away We have realised how little we understood, and what a little part we played in the greater international policies which involved us, like yon, in war, and which threatened our existence. That day has gone. We shall share in the common hazard and must 'meet on equal terms to ditfwuw BWljßtlJk jIMWUCFfrBgUft jjftjfe

men who have gone forth to fight for the Empire will demand a voice in the councils of tho Empire- The old order must change, making us a veritable Commonwealth of Nations to ensure peace, justiee, and liberty in the world for ever. The Empire and tlie Allies are not dismayed, but are as resolute as ever to face military despotism's mighty legions. WE MUST FACE THE PACTS. We do not under-estimate Germany's power, but await the onslaught with perfect confidence. The morale of our armies was never better. Wo must face the facts and not live in a paradise of fools; but neither must w$ permit any weakening in our will to conquer. If we stand firm, victory is ours. Let those babbling of peace be silent, also those doing Germany's work by trying to sap the nation's courage. There may be much suffering and sacrifice ahead, 'but if we face the future with confidence and determination, then, lasting victory will be oursMR. MASSEY ON THE EMPIRE'S POWER•Mr. Masaey predicted that good results would follow the Imperial War Cabinet conference. He believed that when the restoration period was reached the Dominions' representatives would be able to furnish suggestions which might not occur to British Ministers, whose experience wa 9 confined to England, Notwithstanding many disappointments since the outbreak of the war, we were not downhearted, because we.had confidence in each other and in our Allies. We might presently be faced with war attrition ; if so, the power of our Empire more than equalled the enemy's. It was a million times better to carry on the war for a generation than to allow Germany to dominate the world. He thought the darkest hour had passed, and that there were now indications ol a glorious dawn.—Prea s Assoc. CONFERENCE'S SLOW PROGRESS. COLONIAL DELEGATES DISAPPOINTED. Received June 23, 55 pm. London, June 22. The Imperial Conference is engaged in economic discussions. The Australasian delegates are, disappointed with the Conference's progress. Mr. Massey complains that the endless debate shows no sign of decision. A complete remodelling of tlie Colonial Office is amongst the most urgent subjects for discussion,. The visiting Premiers are busying themselves with the military situation, and are constantly with Mr. Lloyd George and General Smuts.—Aus.-N.Z. Caible Assoc. and Renter. A BYE-ELECTION. Received June 23, 5.5 p.m. London, June 22. At the Clapham bye-election, Mr. Greer (Coalitionist) secured 4512 votes against Mr. Beamish's (representing the Billingites) 3331.—Press Assoc. PREMIERS IN NEW ROLE. Received June 83, 1,1 p.m. London, June 21. Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria attended a Welsh service at Westminster A'bboy, conducted by the Bishop of St. David's, in aid of the Welsh War Prisoners' Fund Many Welsh members of the House of Commons attended. Mr. Lloyd George and Mr. Hughes (Prime Minister of Australia) assisted to take op the collection. PARTY POLITICS CONDEMNED. Received Jun» 23, 10 p.m. London, June 22, Lord Denlbigh, interviewed after vigoiously campaigning in the provinces, regarding Germany's' long-thought-out scheme of Central Europe and Africa, severely condemned the system of party politics, bringing, as it did, Britain almost to the verge of ruin. The only propaganda Toquired was the simple recounting of the causes of the war and an explanation of the situation bv the aid of a large map, Laibor members of the House of Commons are supporting the Government in the manifesto, an? point out that their position was rendered vory difficult owing to the incessant sniping by antiNationalist factionists. The manifesto adds: "We find ourselves in honor bound to vote sometimes in opposition to our own inclinations and in apparent contradiction to the past party resolutions, but that is the condition of coalition Government at an- and fs more apparent to our colleagues of the other parties than to ourselves."—Press Assoc.