THE WESTRALIAN DINNER. LONDON, June 24.

Otago Witness, Issue 2520, 2 July 1902, Page 15

THE WESTRALIAN DINNER. LONDON, June 24.

At the annual West Australian dinner the guests included the Agents-general and Lord Ouslow. Sir John Forrest, in proposing the toa^t of " The Imperial Forces," hoped Britons would not lose their heads in a spirit of generosity, but deal with the settlement of South Africa in a businesslike spirit. The war had welded the Empire with bands of steel and immensely strengthened the confidence of the colonies in the Empire's ability to manage international defence. .Uluding to the Imperial Conference, and speaking his private sentiments and not committing the Commonwealth, Sir J. Forrest said he recognised the time was now come that the colonies, although unable proportionately equal to the Motherland's efforts, must do all in their power to assist the taxpayer of Great Britain in maintaining the Empire's fleet, whereon all Arcre dep< udent against attack.

Mr Barton," in proposing ''West Australia," culG2i'-ecl its s-turdy energy and f-plenuia rally to the Commonwealth. He cordially agreed largely with Sir J. Forrest's remark-:. The difficulty was how to realise the aspiration*-. Would Western Australia like to postpone the Traiii-commcntnl railway in crder that the Commonwealth nm!u make a much Jftrger contribution to the navy. The

Commonwealth had been asked to - assume control of the Northern Territory. That might be burdensome, but difficulties were made to be overcome by Australian*. »~ -~ Lord Onslow said all recognised the obligations of the Empire. If Au=tralia was compelled to go slow for a time it would not be because she did not wi=,h to go faster, but was unable owing to financial limitations.