HONORING AUSTRALIA.

Mataura Ensign, 17 March 1910, Page 3

HONORING AUSTRALIA.

CABLE NEWS.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGEAPH COPYRIGHT, PER UNITED PREBS ASSOCIATION.

THE TIES THAT BIND. SIR GEORGE REID IN LONDON. LONDON, March 16. At the banquet given by the Colonial Institute in honor of Sir G. H. Reid (High Commissioner for Australia) the Earl of Crewe (Minister for the Colonies), who presided, sa.d the duties ot Agents-General would in no wise be entrenched upon by Sir George lteid's arrival. He thought the comparison of the Commissioners and Agents-General to ambassadors singularly infelicitous. He preferred to regard tliem as Imperial statesmen whose duties wore partly to look after that part of the Empire which they represented, but they were also able to give opinions on many Imperial problems without party trammels. He thought it unlikely that the present arrangements whereby the Secretary for the Colonies looked after the business connected with the overseas dominions and Crown colonics would bo permanent. The separation of the duties was probable in the near future. The idea of an Impcrial Council could best be promoted by taking the oversea dominions into conference, and, whenever the interests of the dominions were concerned with any diplomatic problem, placing entiro confidence in the statesmen of the dominions.

>jir Georg 0 Reid, who met with a most enthusiastic reception, recalled the rich stream of emigrants to the Australian goldfields. Wo now saw in the rising greatness of Australia, in the rapidly-increasing strength of industries and the growing volume of trade, the magnificent dividends which Australia was rendering under British colonisation enterprise. The Australian system of Government represented perhaps the largest measure of trust in the lieople and freedom for the community that was to-day visible on the world's face. The task of developing the Commonwealth was just as much an Imperiaj task as settling Home political difficulties, and it was a task which excited no party difficulties. The Imperial and Colonial Governments could unite in tjsing their utmost influence to secure suitable British emigrants lor the Empire's dominions. Many suggestions were being made to add to the ties of undoubted affection now existing, and in considering them the statesmen's most anxious task was that of reconciliating free play and self-in-fr.'i'ost with enlightened regard to the Empire's welfare. Mentioning, amid cheers, Australia's voluntary preference to tho Motherland, Sir George remarked that he was bound to add that there was in Australia a strong desire to go further and reach a reciprocal arrangement—(cheers)—but the desire hat. never—as far as he could see—got the length of sacrificing her own growmanufactures. Received March 17, 8.20 a.m n ii- LONDON, March 16. Concluding his speech Sir George ' , said - he might say another thing, namely that an insinuation that Australia s loyalty was mixed with the fiscal question and depended on the jiotlierland s answer to their questions I>r<?teronc<? and reciprocity w:is an unfounded slander. (Cheers.) Until any new departure was based on the c.im let ion that it embodied an advan- , a,IJ strengthening of the Mother- ' Australia would scorn it if it was tho expense of the Motherland. AN IMPORTANT STATEMENT. Received March 17, 8.20 a m mi , LONDON, March 16. lhc Times states that it hopes the lemark of the Earl of Crewe (Secretary or state lor the Colonies) regarding the business of the overseas dominions and separation from his Department foreMiaaows that the affairs of the domin--1 ills are cominp nnder the immediate cognisance of the Prime. Minister.

AUSTRALIA'S NEED

IMMIGRATION FROM ENGLAND

Received March 17, 9.15 a.m. LONDON, March 16. Ihe Lord Mayor (Sir John Knill) presided at a luncheon to Mr Newton -U:>oi:e (Premier of Western Australia, »>•:»> is visiting England) at the FishMongers' Hall. Among the 125 guests present were Sir Gerard Smith (ex-Governor ol Uestern Australia), Sir C. Lucas (head of tho Dominion Department at theColonial Office), the Agents-General and other well-known colonials. In proposing Mr Moore's health the Lord' Mayor said that his record as Premier would be quite worthy of comparison with that of any of his predecessors. The speaker referred to the great- growth of Western Australia's agricultural possibilities, which in a great measure was due to Mr Moore's work. Mr Moore in reply said ho was highly gratified at the presence of representatives of the commercial banking u;id mining sections of the West Australian community. Perhaps the most important duty of his Government was to foster immigration. In that he hoped to be able to co-operate with Sir G. H. Reid (High Commissioner). His State desired to encourage Eng lishmen and other Europeans wh were prepared t go on the soil and assist in developing the country. His great territory wanted capital and population, and it must look to the Old Country for them. In proposing the health of the chairman Sir George Reid (High Commissioner- emphasised Australia's need for immigrants, who would bo a far better investment for England than money.