Banquet to Mr Coster

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 22, 31 July 1884, Page 2

Banquet to Mr Coster

[pee united pbees association] Chbistchubch, This Day. The banquet to Mr J. L. Coster took place last night, when 200 persons were present. Mr J. D. McPherson, President of the Chamber of Commerce, presided, supported by the Governor. Mr Coster was unable to be present, owing to indisposition. Letters of apology were read front Sir Julius Yogel, the Premier, and Mr Macandrew, who expressed iv warm terms their appreciation of the benefits conferred on the colony by the New Zealand Shipping Company, especially in connection with the Direct Steam Service. The Governor replying to the toast of his health said he hoped to have the pleasure during the next two years of being not an infrequent visitor to Christehnrch. The establishment of direct steam communication with Greßt Britain was, he considered, a great benefit, the advantages of which could not be calculated. He then referred to the question of colonial | defence especially in reference to the I protection of the great ocean seaways I over which colonial trade passed. Great I Britain protected those by her fortresses and fleets, and it devolved upon Australasians to do their part in general defence of the empire. Since he first visited the colonies seven years ago many of the Australian ports had been fortified and protected with troops and ships. As yet very little had been done in New Zealand, and it must be remembered that the more the harbors of Australia were protected the more would those of New Zealand be liable to attack if they were unprotected. So soon as Major Cautley's plsin for i x ew Zealand defence was completed he (Sir Wm. Jervois) would lay it before the Government. That plan would provide for the defence of the harbors of Bluff, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland. These defences, however, would have to be supplemented by powerful torpedo boats. The time when it had to be defended against internal foes was passing away, but it was ■ their duty and .privilege to have to guard it against external attack. " .