Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3.500 Copies Daily. THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1910. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9251, 30 June 1910, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. Circulation, 3.500 Copies Daily. THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1910. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

Last year Australia received a notable advertisement from the visit to the Commonwealth of,' commercial men from all parts of the Empire to attend

the great conference of Chambers of

Commerce at Sydney. .The errors that "were corrected and the illusions about the colonies, that were dispelled from the minds of the delegates were many, and the enlightenment that they

received during their 1 brief stay

in Australia and New Zealand was worth more t-o these countries than can be expressed in definite terms. The visitors took back with«them accurate information gathered at first hand of colonial conditions, and they have now a closer acquaintance with the aims and aspirations of these faraway communities that will do much in the years to come to prevent misunderstanding and estrangement, if that is a possibility that the future holds for the various parts of the Empire. Australia is now to be the location of a gathering of a very different type, but of no less desirability., The British Association for the Advancement of Science is to foregather in the Commonwealth. Already the Association has met in South Africa and Canada, and it is now the turn of this part of the world to be honoured by a visit from the eminent" scientists who thus periodically meet to discuss the progress of learning and the growth and development of scientific research. The Premier of the Commonwealth, realising the value to Australia of the presence of so maily scientists, intends to ask Parliament to vote a sum of £10,000, towards the expenses of the visit, which takes place the year after next, and there can be no doubt that a proposal whose advantages are so patent will be readily agreed to. The point for New Zealand is that we should not hesitate to participate in l the benefits resulting from the practical acquaintance of so many eminent men with the country. All the. benefits that accrue to Australia can be made to apply to New Zealand with equal force, and the scientific societies of the Dominion should not let the opportunity pass. An invitation given

now would almost certainly- be accepted'. New Zealand is a country of pecuUar fascination for the scholar and scientist. The- native race, the physical features and the development of social conditions, all present interesting fields of study which would appeal forcibly to those who will compose the Congress, and it would be regrettable if .advantage were not taken of the occasion to ensure a visit from the Association.