DUKE AS A PILGRIM

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1926, Page 7

DUKE AS A PILGRIM

AIMS OF DOMINION FOUR AN IMPORTANT MISSION VIEWS ON CONFERENCE UNITY OF THE EMPIRE By Telegraph—Press Asen.—Copyright. Received Dee. 2, 9.20 p.tn. London. Dee. 1. A distinguished assemblage attended the Pilgrims' dinner at the Hotel Victoria. Viscount Cave (ehairman) was flanked by the Duke of -York and the Prince of Wales. Earl Balfour, proposing the Duke of York’s health, said the Duke was going on a mission which was neither administrative nor diplomatic, but wgs not lees important to the Empire on that account. None could accomplish it so well as members of his house, in achieving personal contact, thus uniting every part of the Empire. Earl Balfour referred to the similar missions of the King and the Prince of Wales, but said he doubted if either knew the incalculable value of their services. The Duke of York’s tour supplied a vital link because it occurred after the Imperial Conference. It was said there was nothing new in the resolutions at which the conference had arrived, ’“but what has never been explicitly stated is the moral and emotional basis upon which the whole fabric exists. That has now been unanimously accepted. “The new thing is not that there is rw control by the Mother Country of the self-governing Dominions, but that the seif-governing portions of the Empire explicitly regard themselves as elements in a great unity which does not depend on control, but on common ideals. It is hard to accept the belief that the great Empire ean exist without control. “For the first time we have announced to the Empire that we are an Empire of which the self-governing portions are united by something greater, subiimer and more effective. It is only now that the Empire begins to be what it was predestined to be. It is only now brought home to its constituent s that it is their business to manage their business as they please, but that they ar© all parts of a greater whole. I am certain the Dominions will always be ready to offer their services to the Empire whenever the need arises. “An Empire in which control no longer counts must depend npon personal intercourse, and for this reason the service which the Duke of York is about to render will be immensely helpful. He comes of a family to which all citizens of the Empire loyally turn. He and the Duchess are singularly gifted for the task they have taken upon them, selves. The services they will render cannot, in the existing circumstances of th© Empire, be too highly over valued. Therefore we not only give them Godspeed, because we love and esteem them on their . own account, but because of the great service they are about to render to the Empire of which they are devoted children.” DUKE OF YORK’S REPLY. DESIRE TO SEE EMPIRE. London, Dee. 1. The Duke of York, replying to the toast of his health, said he hoped in the next six months to justify his claim to the title of pilgrim. He said: “The object of the Pilgrims’ Society is the same as that of my journey, namely, furthering good feeling between different portions of the AngloSaxon race. The Premiere of the Dominions made their first pulblle Appearance in England during the first Imperial Conference at the Pilgrims’ dinner in 1901. “I share your belief that the way to promote mutual understanding in to bring people together. The main principle of finding a solution of great problems, whether or industrial, is the personal touch and learning to understand, even if we do not agree with, the other man’s viewpoint.' Lacking this atmosphere suspicions are apt to arise among strangers. Personal contact must broaden the mind. That is why the Duchess and 1 are so keenly anticipating our Australian and New Zealand tour. “We hope, apart from official ceremonies, to see for ourselves the people's life, and to share their successes and difficulties. We are being given a great opportunity of partaking in the cementing of the Empire, and intend to avail ourselves of it to the utmost. My brother, the Prince of Wales, has shown us the way. “We regret that circumstances prevent including in our journey any American territory except Panama. Who is there who does not believe that a genuine and lasting Anglo-American friendship is essential to the peace of the world and humanity? I hope some day I shall be enabled to promote tills spirit. It will be a proud day when, like my brother, I can say: "Now, indeed, I am a true pilgrim.” Mr. Bruce paid a tribute to Earl Balfours services at the Imperial Conference. He said the conference’s report was one of the most valuable documents ever presented in otir history. “There is no necessity to stress the unity of the Empire,’’ he said. “It will be even greater than in the years that have gone. It rests upon our shoulders to take advantage thereof.” In wishing the Duke and Duchess of York God-speed, Mr. Bruce offered them a warm welcome to Australia, particularly in view of the fact that they were opening the Commonwealth Parliament at Canberra. Among the messages of goodwill read at the gathering was one from the Hon. J, G. Coates.