Australasian Dinner

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 13 June 1914, Page 5

Australasian Dinner

ROYALTY REPRESENTED. THE VALUE OF EXCHANGINu LDIiAS. By Cable—Press Association—Cop v right London, Juno 11. Sir George Reid presided ut the Australasian dinner at the Trocadcro. Two hundred and fifty guests were present. Prince Alexander of Took, responding to the toast of Canada, recalled the i warmness of the Australasians' welcome and hospitality in IflOl. Lord lirycc, proposing the toast of the United States, assured Mr. Page, American Amhassador, of Australasia's friendship, of which he had many proofs during his recent visit. Mr. Page acknowledged the value of the mutual exchange of social and economic experience between the United States and Australia.

TRADE A SYMPTOM—NOT A CAUSE OF IMPERIAL TRADE INTERCHANGE. Received 12, 11.30 p.m. London, June 12. At the Australasian dinner Lord Emmott,, proposing the toast of "BritishAustralasian trade," mentioned his Australasian visit with the British Parliamentary party in 1913. No part of the Empire, he said, was more loyal, or more ready to make sacrifices in the defence of the common interests. He constantly found it necessary to assure people that Australasia was not going back. Though trade was valuable as an Imperial bond, it was rather a symptom than a cause, but was a valuable aid to sentiment.

Mr. John Bryce, formerly British Ambassador at Washington, said lie was well able to expound Australasia's friendliness for the United States. Ho was certain that if there were a further visit of an American fleet to Australasia the cordial reception would be repeated. Commerce, which was an important bond of friendship, was rapidly increasing. The Panama Canal opening must result in the fast growth of trade and personal intercourse. Both countries had the same ideals of freedom, industrial progress and peace. With two such countries bordering on the Pacific that ocean should be truly pacific.