AUSTRALASIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7446, 22 May 1911, Page 7

AUSTRALASIA.

BANQUET IN LONDON FEDERAL MINISTERS ON QUESTIONS OF THE MOMENT. ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND DEFENCE. By TelcerapU—Press Association—Oopyrish(Received May 21, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 20. Two hundred and fifty guests attended the Australasian banquet last evening. Sir George Reid, High Commissioner for Australia, presided, but loft early, with Sir Joseph IVard and' Sir "William Hall-Jones, to attend the State ball at Buckingham Palace. Sir John Cockburn, formerly AgentGoneral for South Australia, proposed “ Prosperity to Australia and New Zealand.” Mr E, L. Batchelor, Federal Minister for External Affairs, in responding, declared that at no period in Australian history had there been such a splendid return for industry and capital. There was an abundance of land awaiting workers. He advocated a reciprocal commercial agreement between Australia and New Zealand. The Minister explained that tho reason why Australia was having strikes was that tho prosperity of the country was so great it was impossible to readjust wages. These could not keep pace with tho increase in industry. “Australia,” ho said, “has done more ns a people to prevent strikes than any other nation lias attempted. You don’t hear of strikes that have been averted.” There was every reason to behovo the present prosperity would continue, and great national projects were in hand, notably tho transcontinental railway and tho development of tho Northern Territory, which was ono of tho biggest problems any Government could face. Rather than that it should be developed by black labour the Government would retire at once. Tho outstanding demand in Australia for many years would bo for a great many people. Senator Pearce, Australian .Minister for Defence, said defence was not a party but a national question in Australia. Some people thought they were attempting too much, respecting defence; but Australians were always willing to take risks. “ We have come here to learn something on matters relating to defence,” said Air Pearce. “With us it is not going to be all plain sailing; hut Britishers were never daunted by difficulties in the past, nor shall we be. by those wo are facing in connection with Australian defence.” Mr Gilbert Anderson, formerly of Ohristchurch, responded for New Zealand.