Banquet to Mr. Coster.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 197, 31 July 1884, Page 2

Banquet to Mr. Coster.

(Per Press Association.) Christchurch, July 31.

A banquet to Mr. Coster took place last night. There were about 200 guests present. J. D, MacPherson, Esq., President of the Chamber of Commerce, presided, supported by His Excellency the Governor. Mr. Coster was unabto to be present, owing to indisposition.

Letters of apology were read from Sir Julius Vogel, the Premier, and James Macandrew Esq., who expressed in warm terms their appreciation of the benefits conferred on the Colony by the N. Z. Shipping Company, especially in connection with the direct steam service.

His Excellency the Governor, in reply to the toast of his health, said he hoped to have the pleasure during the next two years of being not an unfrequent visitor 1 to Christchurch. The establishment of direct steam communication with Great Britain was, he considered, a benefit, the advantages of which could not be calculated. He then referred to the question of Colonial defence, especially in reference to the protection of the great ocean seaways, over which Colonial trade passed. Great Britain protected those routes by her fortresses and fleets, and it now devolved upon the Australians to try and do their part in the 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 bo remembered that the more harbors of Australia were protected the more would those of New Zealand be liable to attack if they wore unprotected. So soon as Major Cantley’s plan for New Zealand defence was completed, (he Sir William Jervois), would lay it before 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 against external attack..