EMPIRES TRADE.
BETTER THAN FOREION. AUSTRALIA’S EXPERIENCE. RESOURCES OF DOMINIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 20, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 19. Sir Joseph Cook presided over a luncheon at the Australian and New Zealand Luncheon Club to the Duke of Devonshire (Secretary for the Colonies). There was a representative gathering, including the High Commissioners. S’r Joseph Cook said all were proud to see the Duke of Devonshire in this high position, for he was a man of experience in all matters relating to the Empire, with a great name in regard to public service. Australia had proved herself Britain’s second best customer this year, India being the only country which exceeded her purchases. Australia desired to foster Empire trade, because she found it paid in the long run. There was better business to be done within the Empire than outside. He was sure the Duke of Devonshire was in full sympathy with such aims.
The Duke of Devonshire said the club's cordial welcome reminded him of the happy time he spent in Canada. When he returned to Britain he was disappointed by the lack of optimism and confidence noticeable in Canada. That atmosphere of confidence and hope was well expressed by Sir Joseph Cook, and it was a testimony to the courage and pluck of the Empire that things were as prosperous as they were. There were anxious times before them, but if they could apply these qualities to the future they would prosper in the long run. He paid a warm tribute to the share of the Australians in the war, and he appealed to the Dominions to endeavour to apply to the problems of peace the same high qualities displayed in war time. The Empire, he added, possessed resources of every available kind.
The Duke of Devonshire said it was the Empire’s duty to turn those resources to the best use and service of mankind, and Britains inherited skill, knowledge, brain and muscle were required for these purposes. The surest way of advancing the Empire was allowing the Dominions to work out their salvation in their own way, and he hoped it would be his privilege to work with the Dominions along those lines. Long ago petty interference by Downing Street caused a great many difficulties. He wished to keep in the closest touch with the work of the Dominions for material development, and at. the same time give full opportunity to take what course they liked.
People outside the Empire, he said, professed to find difficulty in deciding whether the Empire was one or six. The truth was it was both, and was on such lines that they could look forward confidently and hopefully. The best solution of the problem of the overcrowded areas in Britain was to find new and happy homes overseas, and they should do everything possible to encourage emigration between different parts of the Empire. He wanted the Dominions to regard him as a friend and feel they deserved his confidence, and, he and they could work together for the advancement of the Em pire.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.
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Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1922, Page 5
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515EMPIRES TRADE. Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1922, Page 5
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