TERM “AUSTRALASIA.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3643, 26 May 1927, Page 4

TERM “AUSTRALASIA.”

APPEAL TO FOREIGN CONSULS. The executive of the Chamber of Commerce Association has approached all consuls acting in Neiv Zealand asking their co-operation in suppressing the words “Australasia” and “Australasian.” The association explains that for several years chambers of commerce and New Zealand business men in general have sought to discourage the use of these terms in the hope of their eventual elimination. It is recognised what the words are intended to convey, but people overseas who have little knowledge of this portion of the world may be excused for thinking that the terms refer to a land someudiere in or to the south of Asia Those who do know of the existence of Australia probably regard them as descriptive of a greater Australia. Either way it is unfair to New Zealand. The association desires the world to know of the existence of New Zealand, separate and apart from that of Australia. The association appreciates the greatness and high destiny of the Commonwealth, and desires to establish and maintain the closest social and trading relations with its people. “Nevertheless,' we are separated in ways other than the 1200 miles of ocean between us. Our political systems, ‘our markets, tariffs, immigration laws, and labour legislation are diverse; and in some directions the national outlook and aspirations of our peoples are not along parallel lines. We discourage the appointment of ‘Australasian’ agents. New Zealand is now a sufficiently large territory to need separate management. Whatever the arguments, the fact remains that these offending words both ignore our identity and submerge our individuality. Will you please refrain from using themand, when and where you can, make known our objections to them?”