OUR COMMON PESTINY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 232, 30 September 1929, Page 7

OUR COMMON PESTINY

DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA NOTABLIE MELBOURNE GATHERING. [ Australian Press Assn. J Received Sept. 29, 8 p.m. MELBOURNE, Sept. 28. An All-New Zealand dinner was given to political, civil, military and business leaders at Menzic’g Hotel on Friday night by Mr 11. J. Manson, general agent and trade commissioner for New Zealand in Austral!.. It was a complete success The guests included Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Irvine, the Lord Mayor, the InspectorGeneral of Military Forces, Sir Harry Chauval, Sir John Monash, Rear-Ad-miral Sydneham, Major Richardson, Wing-Commander Cole, the Right Hon. ' . A. Watt, Senator Guthrie (representing tho Federal Government), the Hon. F. Groves, Minister of Railways (representating the Premier), Sir John McFarland (Cnanccllor of the University), Sir William Brunton, Sir William Mcßeath, Sir Stephen Morell, Sir John Higgins and representatives of commercial interests. All the food served was produced in New Zealand and lavish decorations were typically New Zealand. The Lieutenant-Governor . said that Australia and New Zealand were bound together by two indissoluble common interests—security and kinship. It was essential that the two countries should take a greater general interest in the world-wide questions which were at present causing concern.

Dr. Gilruth, proposing the toast of the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria, deplored the poor communication between Australia and New Zealand and urged the need for a better understanding between these two outposts of the white race. Senator Guthrie emphasised the necessity for better trade relationship and commercial connections.

The Right Hon. W. A. Watt, proposing the “Dominion of New Zealand,” said that the gathering was the most representative ever held in Melbourne. He congratulated the Dominion on its energetic and esteemed representative in Melbourne. He also complimented the Dominion on its natural advantages and progressive spirit. He added that it was amazing that though Australia and New Zealand were same in origin and destiny, neither country seemed to realise that fact. He hoped that frum the present gathering there would result an invitation to Sir Joseph Ward to visit Australia officially. Now wa s the time to cement the friendship fhat should exist between the two countries commercially, privately and in defence.

Replying. Mr Manson sai<? he was pleased with the sentiments expressed. The two countries should know each other better, and there should be frere interchange of visits, more harmolnious tariffs and a better relationship. This would banish, misunderstandings and bring the countries closer together.