HON. A FISHER

Grey River Argus, 30 December 1914, Page 2

HON. A FISHER

CIVIC RECEPTION

(Per United Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Dec. 29. The Hon. Andrew Fisher wa_s enter tamed at a civic reception to-day.

The Hon. W. F. Massey said . that both countries had much to> gain from a reciprocal agreement in matters of commerce. • >

While he did not agree with everything appearing in the agreement drawn up when the New Zealand Minister for Customs visited Australia he hoped it would be. given proper consideration and good wouSd come out of it.

He believed that many thousands could be saved by an agreement with respect of silver coinage, and it would be to> the interests of both countries to join together for the protection of mutual interests of thedr shores in the South Pacific.

I bring, said Mir. Fisher, most cordial greetings and good will from the people of Australia to the people of New Zealand. I have no mission except that we here and they there may with common interest feel that. we. should take common action in all things that concern the welfare of the whole.

Mr. Fisher said that he wished it to be understood by the people of New Zealand that he and his fellow Australians did not desire to> force their views on us in any way. Matters relating to commercial reciprocity, of course would be arranged with representative of the Government, but if they failed to come to ar agreement the people of New Zealand could rest assured that no trace of feeling would be "left behind in 'Australia. '

Speaking of the naval question of t-n-cay, Mr. Fisher said that he believed that naval reciprocity was necessary for our protection. The fates of New Zealand and Australia were irrevocably wound up, and would continue to be so even .after the great

In Australia they wefe training New Zealanders for iland and sea defences. They would come back to New Zealand having imbedded Australian sentiment.

lie hoped that the time was not distant when New Zealand would be do ing the same thing for Australia, thus bringing about (reciprocal feeling, which would strengjLren them all.