WEST AUSTRALIAN DINNER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8152, 31 May 1906, Page 5

WEST AUSTRALIAN DINNER.

Received May 30, 11.11 p.m. LONDON, May 30. Mr W. H. James, Agent-General for Western Australia, presided at the West Australian dinner. Mr W. P. Reeves was among the guests. Mr W. Churchill, in proposing the "Commonwealth," said that although every expectation had not been fulfilled the Federation had been a great and glorious event for one generation to achieve. The present generation would reap a Bolid advantage. The future generations would look back with reverence and enthusiasm. Australia's development had been grand, but different from any other community in the world. He considered Australia was wise in following eolleotivist rather than competitive ideals, and in watching with care the fortunes of the rearguard, and the weaker portions of the army of labour and industry. (Cheers). In complimenting West Australia on it progress, and eulogising Sir John Forrest's public work, Mr Churchill said he was sure that in every part of Great Britain there was a great feeling of interest in and goodwill towards the Commonwealth. They were all looking forward to the Conference, which would be free and unfettered and practically a friendly discussion, It would have only one objeofc, and that was to develop everything promoting a larger unity of the Empire and to eliminate any thing likely to provi harmful. The Conference would include a dozen subjecls—law, strategy, trade communication, education, and science. The British Navy was strong enough to give a practical security to Australia, but that was not enough. Australia must find development for the national citizen in the volunteer army. He advised the Australians not to identify themselves with any one party in the Motherland. He emphasised the Government's desire to bring about and maintain friendly relations with,.the colonies. Ihe Government-had a great work to do. What could be more foolish and idiotic than to go out of the way to give offenoe to the colonies? Ihe Government wished to do their duty by the colonies, and do what was fair and right. Mr Austin Chapman, Federal Postmaster-General, ,in replying, said that Australia did not need an apologist. Tbie Commonwealth never looked more prosperous from end to end than it did now. Whenever the note of danger to toe Empire was sounded, Australia would give but one response. fcjir John Madden said that he had no fear with regard to the policy of the Labour Party. A large proportion of the party held a large stake in te country. Hence they cast their votes iu favour of rudenoe. Should England ever want aid, Australian ploughshare would be a sword for Eugland. Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing the toast, "West Australia." asked Mr Churchill to visit th« Colonies.