The Star. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25. 1901. COLONY AND COMMONWEALTH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7237, 25 October 1901, Page 2

The Star. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25. 1901. COLONY AND COMMONWEALTH.

If Australian politicians could be persuaded to regard New Zealand in the samelight as the Melbourne " Argus " does, there would bo no need to lie apprehensive concerning the future relations between rhe two countries. The "Argus" takes a very broad view <>[ the subject. "Every s:ep we can take to bind Australasia* together should be taken," it says, and we see no reason to doubt its sincerity. In the eyes of some people the "binding" of Australasia may imply the entry of New Zealand into the Commonwealth, but lest its j disinterestedness should be questioned, i lie " Argus " is careful to disclaim any such Ll-en. It admits that "it d ; ces not stem possible for New .Zealand to come into the ■ 2-\,\2er«ci<?«>" and & frank admission such as this may surely be accepted as evidence of i good feeling and disinterested motives. If the Federal Government and the people of tli3 Commonwealth generally will only follow the example set by the " Argus," '.he relations between that country and this colony are bound to be of a most cordial and amicable character, and the possibility of a. treaty of reciprocity, which appears so remote just now, will be brought appreciably nearer. And, after all, the view of the situation taken by the "Argus" is the only practical, common-sense one that it is possible to take. As two States of one Empire, New Zealand and Australia must work in harmony. If they elect to cultivate amicable relations not only will they be the immediate gainers, but they will also be putting into practice the principles of Imperial unity, of which so much hefs been preached during the past year or two. If this colony a nd Australia, will sink their differences for the purpose of promoting commercial peace, they will have the satisfaction of feeling that they are setting t \n example which the rest of the Empire cannot pass unheeded.