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Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1809, 16 July 1906, Page 2

CEREMONY ABOARD SHIP.

A lktteh written on the steamer Gothic in tho Bay of Biscay on Juno 0 gives an interesting account of the celebration of the 90th anniversary of Argentine’s independence, and inincidentally mentioning an interesting little speech by our old friend, Mr C A. DeLautour. Sixtyfive passengers joined the Gothic at Monte Video, and all on board wore invited to the dinner. After a pleasing entertainment, tho toast of the evening was proposed by Mr Alfred Forget, of Buenos Ayres, who said : Though most of thorn were English, and naturally hold the dear Old Country dearest, still they had the most kindly feelings for Argentina, where they had lived for a great many years. He wished to say a few words also to their New Zealand friends. In tho course of conversation with several of them they had expressed a fear that Argentina could do both Now Zealand and

Australia a good deal of harm, as they were running in competition to each other, all three countries having more or loss the same products; but, if thoy thought it over quietly, they would sec that the market of the world was large enough for all. Mr DeLautour, of Gisborne, iD reply said he had been requested not to allow the toast to pass in silence, but, on behalf of New Zealand and those from New Zealand, to say a few words.

The best prosperity of tho groat Argentine Republio was heartily desired by all Now Zealanders. Mr Forget need be under no misapprehension as to the position whioh Now Zealand and Australia took as regards tho Argentine. Both countries were ongagGd in supplying food to the older countries from whioh they were epruDg aDd of which they were proud. Tbero was no place for rivalry in suoh a trade, exoept, indeed, ns to whioh oonntry could supply that which was best to the older nations of the world. On behalf of all Now Zsa-

landers ho very heartily joinod in the toa3t of prosperity to the Argentine. Ho was suro the remainder of the voyage would deepen friendships now oommonefd, and would end in increased respect and esteem. Gisborne people will be delighted to learn

that such a toast was left to the tactful Mr DeLautour'; it was a chance that might have led a less thoughtful man to have fanned little differences into flame, but New Zealand’s representative was able to quietly reassure everyone, and to make things pass pleasantly for all.