MELBOURNE DINNER

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1929, Page 6

MELBOURNE DINNER

AN IMPOSING GATHERING. (Australian Press Association.) MELBOURNE, September 29. An “All New Zealand ” dinner was given to political, civil, military, and business leaders at Menzies’ Hotel on Friday night, by Mr 11. j. Manson, General Agent and Trade Commissioner for New Zealand in Australia. It was a complete success. The guests included the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir William Irvine, the Lord Mayor, the Inspector General of the Military Forces, Sir Harry Chauval, Sir John Monash, Rear-Admiral v Sydenham, Major Richardson, Wing-Commander Cole, Right Hon. W. A. Watt, Senator Guthrie (representing the Federal Government), Hon. F. Groves (Minister of Railways, representing the Victorian Premier), Sir John McFarland (Chancellor of the University), Sir William Brunton, Sir William Mcßeath, Sir Stephen Morell, Sir John Higgins, and representatives of commercial interests. All of the food served was produced in New Zealand, and the lavish decorations were'typical of New Zealand. The Lieutenant-Governor said that Australia and New Zealand were bound together by two indissoluble common interests, security and kinship. It wa« essential that the two countries should take a greater general interest-in the world-wide questions which were; at present causing concern.

Hr Gilruth, proposing the toast, df “The Commonwealth and State of Victoria,” deplored the poor communications between Australia and New Zealand, and urged the need for' a. better understanding between these two outposts of the white race. Senator. Guthrie emphasised the necessity for a better trade relationship and commercial connections.

Right Hon. W. A. Watt, in proposing “The Dominion of New Zealand,” said that this gathering was the most representative ever held in Melbourne. He congratulated the Dominion on its energetic and esteemed representative and its progressive spirit. He added that it was-Amazing that though "Australia and New. Zealand were the same in origin and destiny, neither country seemed to'realise that fact. He hoped that from the present gathering there would result an invitation to Sir Josreph Ward to visit Australia in his official capacity. Now was the time to cement the friendship that should; exist/bstween the two countries commercially, privately and in defence. Replying to the toast, Mr Manson said that he was pleased with the sentiments expressed. The two countries should know-each other better and there should be -freer interchange of visits with more harmonious tariff and better trade relationships. This wbuld banish misunderstanding and bring tlid countries closer together.