A UNITED EMPIRE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8787, 15 April 1907, Page 2

A UNITED EMPIRE.

Speech By Mr Deakin

Press Association— Copyright. London, April 14.

At the merchants’ banquet Lord Jersey proposed tire toast of “A United Empire, ’ ’ coupled with the name of Mr Deakiu, whose lofty ideals and honored career were among the treasures of the Empire. Mr Deakin, who had an enthusiastic reception, declared that the loss of Mr Chamberlain was felt to the extremities of the Empire.' The first and greatest means of attaining a united Empire was co-opera-tion for mutual defence, which was on an unsatisfactory basis at present, because the colonies, which were incomplete but growing communities, were hardly strong enough to assume their full share of the burdens and responsibility which undoubtedly they would claim hereafter. Meanwhile, they required some voice if they shared the responsibilities of action. He referred to the unequalled visible and untouched mineral resources of Australia, aud the immense possibilities of her fruitful soil, aud hoped the stream of vigorous British emigration would be diverted to Australia. He was unable to understand, those who despised trade as a means of uniting the Empire, and emphatically denied that Australians regarded preference as an ingenious device to benefit themselves, as with all the advantages on one side the scheme would soon fail. Australia had made a business proposition of mutual preferences for mutual advantages. If the Motherland' considered it valueless Australia would be the last to press its acceptance. He failed to understand Britain’s attitude of timidity and fear of what other nations would think. Australia proposed preference to British goods, ships, and men, but they did not intend to come as suppliants soliciting some concessions to Australia’s weakness or needs. Ho hoped the ‘adoption of an Imperialpolicy would remove the Motherland’s present attitude of desponding hesitancy, aud uncertainty. He concluded hy the words, “What wo have, let us hold, for wo can hold it by our own people. ’ ’ Sir F. Oockburn proposed the toast of British and Australian trade.

Sir W. Lyuo replied, and said it was necessary to quicken tho British interest ju the Commonwealth, which apparently was little thought of in Britain. Many seemed not to want Australian trade, but tho Premiers hoped to induce Britain to take the products of the labour of British people instead of those of foreigners. Australians were able to supply produce cheaper than it could bo obtained elsewhere if Britain would take it.