CLOSER UNION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1350, 30 January 1912, Page 5

CLOSER UNION.

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. CO-OPERATION URGED. Bj roleer*Dh—Prct» AraccfrviUa —Cooyriffbl flleo. January 29, 9.55 p.m.) Melbourne, January 29. Lord Denman, Governor-General, speaking at tho Australian Natives' Association anniversary day luncheon, eaid he was struck with tho fine spirit of independence, and fhe loyalty of the Au&, tralians. Ho shuddered to think of tho kind of reception which would be accorded tho gentleman who suggested that half Australia should bo given to Germany, yet he heartily sympathised with the aims and objects of the Australians. Mr. Fisher, Prime Minister, referring to defence, said he felt 6ure that Australia ill that department should bo connected with New Zealand; his great hope was that Australia would be able to build warships. Mr. Deakin declared that the question of drawing New Zealand and Australia together was a matter he preferred not to discuss. Ha had been a member of the first Federal Convention when New Zealand wos represented, and from that day to this Australia' had never ceased to hold out every inducement to their brothers across the narrow Btrip of sea. Tho question wa9 not discussable at the present stage. There must be no jarring note. He concurred entirely with Mr. Fisher's views on the subject. There was a desire throughout the whole of Australia for closer union with New Zealand, such as had already been established with South Africa, and was being sstablished frith Canada.