Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1918. FUTURE OF THE PACIFIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1805, 23 March 1918, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1918. FUTURE OF THE PACIFIC.

A LECTURE on the Pacific Isles was recently given under the auspices of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce by Mr Thomas J. McMahon, who said he spoke as one who had studied a great problem from the standpoint of British-Aus-tralian patriotism, with a personal knowledge of what was till lately known as German New Guinea, the German Solomons, and the British Solomons. More than 30 years ago, while on a visit to this part of the world, the Earl of Rosebery prophetically declared that it was the destiny of Australia to.be the guardian of (he Pacific Islands. The time was ripe tor Australia, with her prior and parental right, to see what could be done to make the future of those islands secure. The best way to win those islands was to recognise the efforts of the hardy pioneers, who had already done wonders in development, and to assist in making the most of the mag : nificent: resources. When Australia realised its responsibility it could hardly fail to do its duly in keeping Germany out of the Pacific. Germany before the war was leaving nothing undone to extend its possessions in the Pacific. There was the German-dream of a vast colonisation scheme in the Pacific which would have swallowed up Australia. If the Government and the people of Australia stirred, themselves now, the trade with the islands in 10 years’ time would be more than £50,000,000 a year. On national grounds, and apart from all commercial considerations, the day should be welcomed which would sec the Pacific Blands federated with Australia as part of the British Empire, and under a flag that had never been dipped in cowardice or dishonour.