DOMINIONS BEYOND THE SEAS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9082, 6 May 1908, Page 5

DOMINIONS BEYOND THE SEAS.

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION. AUSTRALIA AND DEFENCE. PKINCE OP WALES AND TH3 COLONIES. Received May 5, 10.35 p.m. LONDON,May 5. At the Colonial Institute dinner at the Hotel Cecil the Prince of Wales prcsiJed. Three hundred and fifty guests were present, including the Dukes of Argyle and Marlborough, Lords Lorebum, Dudley, Jersey, Tennyson, Alverstone, Rothschild, Laming ton and Strathcona, Viscount Morley, Mr W. Runciman (President of the Board of Education), Mr Sydney Buxton (Postmaster-General), the Archbishop of Sydney, Sir Montague Nelson, and the Agents-Generai. Mr Thomas Price, Premier of South Australia, who is on a visit to England, in proposing the toast of the "Royal Family," stated that he hoped* to divert the tide of immigration setting in towards Canada to Australia, which was preparing for the presence of the white man by great trans-continental railways and opening up lands. Australia was also preparing to take her part in defending the Empire by promoting a vigorous cadet movement and training large bodies of men ready to fight for their flag. The Prince of Wales, in responding to the toast, welcomed the Earl of Dudley, the new Governor-General of the Commonwealth} who, he said, would carry with him the heartiest good wishes on his high responsible mission. The departure of Lord Northcote, the late Governor, was to be most deeply regretted. The Prince • feelingly referred to the late Lord Linlithgow, the first Governor-Gen-eral of Australia, who died recently. His Royal Highness stated that his own many visits to the colonies and dependencies had created a deep and continuing interest in the progress and welfare of all the oversea dominions, which were loyal. An affectionate welcome and generous hospitality had universally been extended on these occasions. He would never forget the many kind friends he had made during those memorable experiences. The visits had enabled him to form an idea of our Empire, and realise i,ts vastrjeas, resources and latent strength. England now meant "England sprei-d over the whole surface of the world. (Cheers). The Prince of Wales, in proposing the toast of "The Dominions Beyond the Sflas," then dwelt upon the true spirit of Empire ties and kinship between all parts of the Empire, the astounding progress made in improving the means of commmication within the Empire since Queen Victoria ascended the Throne, and the greater co-operation for mutual interests with common aims. All must be ready to make , a mutual effort and self-sacrifice. lie hoped progress might be made for thoroughly grappling with the Imperial defence question arid for strengthening the military organisation in the time of peace. He also urged.the importance of reciprocity, matters in connection with education, and the strengthening of social relations with the colonies, making it clear to colonists that they would always be certain to find here a home-not m name only but in reality. |