AUSTRALIAN ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Evening Star, Issue 14786, 30 January 1912, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN ANNIVERSARY DAY.

THE QUESTION OF CLOSER UNION. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, January 29. Speaking at tho .Australian Natives' Association Anniversary Day luncheon, the Governor-General (Lord Jlonman) struck a line independence note, saying that it was essential to loyalty. He shuddered to think of the kind of reception which awaited the gentleman who suggested that half of Australia should be given to Germany, and he heartily sympathised with the aims and objects of Australians, Mr Fisher felt sure that Australia, in the defence department, should bo connected with New Zealand. His great hope was that Australia would be able to build her own warships. Mr Deakin said that the question of drawing New Zealand and Australia together was a matter lie would prefer not to discsus. He was a member of the first Federal Convention in which New Zealand was represented. From that day to this Australia had never ceased to hold out every inducement to their brothers across the narrow strip of the Tasman Sea. The question, however, was not discussable at the present stage. There must be no jarring' note. He concurred entirely with Mr Fisher's views on the subject. There was a desire throughout the whole of Australia for closer trade, union with New Zealand, such as already had been established with South Africa and was being established with Canada.