EMPIRE CO-OPERATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 140, 14 June 1911, Page 5

EMPIRE CO-OPERATION.

POLICY OF THE FUTURE. NEW ZEALAND LONDON. RESULTS OF THE CONGRESS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) LONDON, June 13. Three hundred guests attended the New Zealand annual dinner at the Trocadero Hotel. Mr. Harcourt proposed the toast of "New Zealand." He said New Zealand was successfnlly solving the riddle of closer settlement. The fact that two million acres of land had been thrown open since January was evidence of the opportunities offered in New Zealand for British youths with small means. New Zealand's filial act in presenting a Dreadnought, proceeded Mr. Harcourt, helped to bind the nations of the Empire together with a silken cord, which no enemy would be able to break. Mr. Harcourt added that the present Imperial Conference marked an advance in Imperial co-operation beyond its predecessors. The keynote of future Imperial development would be not centralisation, but co-operation. Sir Joseph Ward agreed that it would be impossible to judge the Imperial Conference by the resolutions passed. Personally, he was determined to continue to urge changes in the Imperial system which he believed to be essential". In future the Overseas Dominions would be required to do more than return the protection which Britain gave them. A combination of the nations of the British Empire would make it impossible for any country to enter upon a policy of aggression. Sir E. Montague Nelson proposed the toast of "The Guests." Lord Ranfurly and Mr. Fisher (Prime Minister of Australia) responded. Mr. Fisher declared that New Zealand led the world in social legislation. Aus- , tralia followed her example, and was now, perhaps, a step ahead. He hoped the time was near when Australia and New I Zealand would be able to protect themI selves from aggression, leaving the Home Country to guard the heart of the Emi pire. Others present in addition to the speakers mentioned were Lord Plunket, Mr. jW. P. Reeves, Sir Wm. Russell, Dr. Findlay, and the Australian Agents-General.