LORD NORTHCOTE’S SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2406, 22 January 1909, Page 5

LORD NORTHCOTE’S SPEECH.

AUSTRALIA’S CHIEF PROBLEM. THE NEED OF MEN. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, Jail. 20. Lord No.rbheotea continuing, said that there was plenty of land in Australia for generations for steady, sober, hard-working men. lie gave instances lie had personally seen in West Australia, New. South Whiles, Queensland, and Mildura, where splendid land was rendered available by individual effort, aided by State irrigation. ‘Whatever merits or demerits there were in Mr. Deakin’s defence scheme is ought to be recognised as unselfish, inasmuch as it 'assumed larger obligations than imposed under the old agreement.

Regarding the fiscal question, without entering into controversies, he emphasised that Australia was growing protectionist, and was determined to protect her manufactures against the outside competition. Therefore it was- impossible to 'anticipate the establishment of anything resembling a commercial zollverein between Britain and the colonies as far as Australia was concerned, on the basis of equal access to the colonial markets. 'He eulogised the grim pluck Australia had shown in the development of the country, though the relations of capital and labor might bo considerably improved, but he had no desire to be a censor of a country receiving him with so much kindness and generosity. It was desirable'' that more public men should visit Australia and study the colonies. He spoke of the great advantage it would be to the ; Empire if the Colonial Office arranged an interchange of officials, allowing some’of its staff to take service in the ■ colonics.

Lord Lyttelton proposed the health, of the chairman.

The Earl of Crowe,, responding, promised to consider the possibility of an interchange' as suggested. The newspapers, eulogising the speeches, agree that Australia’s chief problem is the need of men. Once this was solved, others would prove secondary., ' • " v