JAPAN’S RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3310, 17 December 1897, Page 4

JAPAN’S RELATIONS WITH AUSTRALIA.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —“ Japan is now taking measures to provide steamers with refrigerating space to take Australian meat.” Such, sir, is the pregnant message of the Japanese Consul to the Australian Government, as it apgeai;6 id ybtir 'cablegram of this day’s issde. What a lengthening vista of future trade ilnd prosperity is opened up by this bald, matter-of-fact statement! . And what a commentary does it form upon the crass stupidity and blindness of ourown Government. Here you have been week after week urging upon them the pressing necessity of taking steps to secure for New Zealand the provision trade of the Eastern waters, but without the slightest response on their part. Deaf, as though they heard not, they fritter away the golden hours of opportunity in the barren discussion of twopenny half-penny measures of which the country is heartily sick, whilst they thus shamefully neglect its vital interests. Of What avail is it to speak of higher interests and nobler ambitions to men whose political horizon is bounded by the parish pump ? Cassandra Was unheeded by the ancient Trojans, and the voice of him who to-day ventures to look abroad and ahead is similarly disregarded. And yet, the pity of it! India, China, Japan, what limitless sources of trade, what boundless fields of wealth do their very names suggest! Once establish a regular provision trade with these countries, and you lay the secure foundations of New Zealand’s greatness and prosperity. For this mission she is preeminently fitted by her geographical position and her natural products, and lacks only a Napoleon of commerce with brains and enterprise. The occasion has arisen, but not the man.—l am, &0., . - Veritas. Wellington, December 16th, 1897.