AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXII, Issue LXII, 30 January 1912, Page 8

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

THE AUSTRALIANS LOYALTY

DEFENCE QUESTION DISCUSSED

BY CAELE—PRESS ASSOCIATION— COPYRIGHT.

MELBOURNE, Jan. 29. Lord Denman, Governor-General, speaking at the Australian Natives' Association's anniversary day luncheon, said he had been struck with the fine spirit of independence and the essential loyalty of the Australians. He shuddered to think what kind of reception the gentleman who suggested that half Australia should be given to Germany would meet with if he came here. Yet he heartily sympathised with the aims and objects of Australians.

Mr Fisher, referring to defence, said he felt sure Australia in that department should be connected with New "Zealand. His great hope was that Australia would be able to build warships. Mr Deakin declared the question of jdrawing New Zealand and Australia together was a matter to refer to and not to discuss.

Mr Deakin went on to say that he was a member of the first Federal Convention, when 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 sea. The question was not discussable at the present stage, for there must be no jarring note.

He concurred entirely with Mr Tosher's views on the subject. It was the desire throughout the whole of Australia for closer union with New Zealand, such as was already established with South Africa and was being established with Canada.