THE OLDEST DOMINION

NZ Services Current Affairs Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 4, 2 April 1945, Page 2

THE OLDEST DOMINION

PREPARE THIS DISCUSSION CAREFULLY

New Zealand and Canada are both members of the British Empire. It seems natural then that we should have a pretty thorough knowledge of the oldest dominion. But you will probably be surprised to find how little New-Zealanders know about Canada and the Canadians. It might be wise to get discussion going with a few simple questions after this style ■: 1. What is the population of Canada? [11,814,00.] 2. What are the racial origins of the Canadian people? [British, French, &c.] • 3. When was Canada annexed to the British Empire ? [1763.] 4. What is the origin of the name “ Canada ” ? [The name Canada is said to come from the Indian word Kanata, meaning “ a littlesettlement of huts. This was the answer given by an Indian chief to the French explorer Cartier in 1535, when, on arriving in the St. Lawrence, he inquired of the Natives the name of the country.] 5. How is Canada governed? What is the capital? [There is a Federal system of Government in Canada, the powers of Govern-, ment being divided between the Federal Government and the provinces. The Federal capital is Ottawa.] 6. What are Canada's chief exports ? [Canada’s main staple exports are non-ferrous metals, wheat, newsprint, and wood pulp, and cheese and bacon. It is important to remember, however, that in 1943 Canada exported over 300 million pounds worth of manufactured goods, almost the whole of which were for war purposes..] 7. What relations have we with Canada? [Both countries exchange High Commissioners. Hon. D. Wilson, M.L.C., is our representative in Canada, and Dr. W. A. Riddell is Canada’s representative here. In 1943 Canada-exported to New Zealand goods to the value of about £'8,000,000, the main items being goods for war purposes. We exported to Canada wool, skins and hides, &c., to a value of about £7,000,000.] 8. Where are the Canadians fighting ? [Canadians are fighting on land in northern Europe and Italy ; in the air over Europe, the Mediterranean, and Burma and on the sea in the Atlantic’ and' Arctic Oceans.] • t ' . 9. What are the chief sports? [The main winter sports are icehockey, curling, ski-ing, and indoor basketball. Summer sports are baseball, tennis, and football and soccer.] Reserve ten minutes at the end of the session, and put your original quiz again. .