AUSTRALIAN ASPIRATIONS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 30, 30 January 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN ASPIRATIONS

SOME ANNIVERSARY DAY SPEECHES. QUESTION OF DEFENCE. Melbourne, January 29. Lord Denman, Governor-General, speaking at the Australian Natives Association’s anniversary day luncheon, said he had been struck with the fine spirit of independence and the essential loyalty of the Australians. He shuddered to think, what kind of reception the gentleman who suggested that half Australia, should be given to Germany would meet with if he came here. Yet he heartily sympathised with the aims and objects of Australians.

Mr. Fisher, referring to defence, said he felt sure Australia in that department should be connected with New Zealand. His great hope was that Australia would be able to build warships.

Mr. Deakin declared the question of drawing New Zealand and Australia together was a matter to refer to, and not to discuss. Mr. Deakin went on to say that he was a member of the first Federal Convention, when New Zealand was represented. From that day to this Australia had never ceased to hold out every inducement to their brothers across the narrow strip of sea; The question was not discussable at the present stage, for there must be no jarring note. ~ He concurred entirely with Mr. Fisher’s views on the subject. It was the desire throughout the whole of Australia for closer union with New Zealand, such as was already established with South Afr’ca, and was being established with Canada.