“SLEEPY HOLLOW."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8356, 17 February 1913, Page 11

“SLEEPY HOLLOW."

TASMANIA’S PLACE IN THE AVORLD SIR JOHN McCALL’S VIEAVS. The Agent-General, Sir John McCall, at a banquet in the Hobart Town Hall, protested against Tasmanians allowing their country to be called ‘Sleepy Hollow.” Sir John warned the people that they must not in any way interfere with the status of the position that was now given to their representative. Xn London the representatives of the other States hold assured positions, and their introductions were accepted by houses that it would bo difficult for any visitor to get into touch with by any other means. Representatives of the States of Australia were fully accredited to the Colonial Office in London by their respective Governments. Although Canada was a great province, the representatives of the States were not accredited to the Colonial Office, and this would explain why it was that on every imperial occasion the States of Australia were represented. Every country hud. to suiter foi little citizens, or people who did not realise the greatness of their country. No country had suffered more than Australia in the past, and to some extent Tasmania had to suffer as well. There were little Tasmanians. A few had gone to the Old Country, and some of them dared to write to the press and make their ill-digested opinions public. He hoped Tasmanians would wake up to the fact that they had one of the richest countries in the world. “AVhy,” he continuued, “should wo be afraid or seek to deprecate every attempt that was made to develop its resources? These resources are great. We have got into the habit of allowing ourselves to be called “Sleepy Hollow,” but the best men m Australia are to bo found in this State. 'The Commonwealth Government had to call in . the aid of a Royal Commission to put the stopper on the energies of one firm alone. (Cheers and laughter.) When it is possible for a firm of business people to get a reputation all over. the world, and move a great Commonwealth as had been done in this case, surely it is time we woke up and realised that after all we should not be called ‘Sleepy Hollow.’ ” (Cheers.)