EMPIRE OUTPOSTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 231, 30 September 1929, Page 7

EMPIRE OUTPOSTS.

CLOSER TIES URGED. p Better Relations Between New Zealand And Australia. AN ALL-NEW ZEALAND DINNER. (Australian and X.Z. Press Association.) MELBOURNE, September 29. i An all-New Zealand dinner was , given to political, civil, military and i business leaders at Menzies Hotel, Melbourne, on Friday evening by Mr. H. J. Manson, General Agent and Trade Commissioner for New Zealand 'in Australia. It was a complete success. The guests included the LieutenantGovernor of Victoria, Sir William Irvine, ' the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the ' Inspector-General of Military Forces, Sir Harry Chauval, Sir John Monash, RearAdmiral Sydenham. Major Richardson, Wing-Commander Cole, Mr. W. A. Watt and Mr. J. F. Guthrie, members of the Senate, represented the Federal Government, and Mr. J. Groves, Minister of Railways, represented the Premier of Victoria, Sir William McPherson. Also present were the Chancellor of the University, Sir William Bnznton, Sir William Mcßeath, Sir Stephen Merell, Sir John Higgins and representatives of commercial interests. All the food served was produced ill New Zealand. The lavish decorations were typically New Zealand. The Lieutenant-Governor said 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 at present were causing concern. Dr. Gilruth proposed the toast of the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria. He deplored the poor communications between Australia and New Zealand and urged the need for a better understanding between these two outposte of the white race. Mr. Guthrie emphasised the necessity for better trade relationship and commercial connections. Mr. Watt proposed the toast of the Dominions of New Zealand. He said 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 New Zealand on its natural advantages and progressive spirit. It was amazing that although Australia and New Zealand were the same in origin and destiny, neither country seemed to realise that fact. Mr. Watt said he hoped that from the present gathering there -would result an invitation to Sir Joseph Ward, Prime Minister of New Zealand, to visit Australia officially. Now was the time to cement the friendship that should exist between the two countries—commercially, privately and in defence. In replying, Mr. Manson said he was pleased with the sentiments expressed. The two countries should know each other better and there should be freer interchange of visits, a more harmonious tariff and better relationship. This would banish misunderstanding and bring the two countries closer together.