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5740. The Earl of Camperdown.-You said just now that the Australian trade and the Australian coasts might be as well defended at a distance, say, of 1000, miles, by the fleet, as nearer; do you think that opinion is generally held in the Colony; do you think it is understood?—I do not know. I should think it was by any person who reflected a little; because, it seems to me, if a ship of war crippled an enemy 1,500 miles away, it would do much better service than one 50 miles away that did not fall in with the foe.
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5741. But is there not a very considerable feeling, I will not say of alarm, but of regret, that the Austra- lian squadron has been diminished in strength? not the Colonies attach very great importance to having vessels close to their own harbours ?—I am not quite sure that they do. I have been trying to recollect. I do not possess that feeling myself.
5742. Do you think that the Colonies would con- sider-supposing that this country were to strengthen the Australian squadron-that a more efficient protec- tion was being afforded to their trade?--Well, if the Australian seas were made an Admiral's station, I am bound to say I think the Colonies would attach most importance to having some fleet closer to them.
5743. From what part of the world do you think the Australian Colonies apprehend the most danger?—I hardly know how to answer that question, but I think we should apprehend the most danger from that quarter of the world where the enemy was.
5744. Is there any special fear of Russia, do you think, in the Australian Colonies?-Not generally; there are a few persons who do. All my life, every- where, Russia has been a sort of monster to surprise us upon some day or other. I do not think we can appre- hend particular danger from Russia.
5745. But if the Australians have a bugbear, as we have sometimes in England, what Power, do you think, they most fear?The Power at war with England.
5746. Do you think that the feeling of jealousy between the Colonies is diminishing?—I do not think
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that there is any very strong feeling of jealousy amongst the better-informed and the more thoughtful men who have to do with the affairs of the Australian Colonies. I think too much importance is attached to this feeling of jealousy, as I endeavoured to explain some little time ago. It is part of the spirit of coloniza- tion to try to do better than one's neighbour. There is a keen competition in relation to whatever you like, but I do not think it is accompanied by any unfriendly spirit, except among a few persons. Then, unfortu nately, with regard to the different Tariffs, which have a tendency to create a bad feeling, no doubt that again is an evil which may easily be magnified at a distance.
5747. Do you see any diminution of that feeling in progress at the present time?-Well, if I said I did see a decrease of it, and if I were then asked to give evidence, I should have a difficulty in giving that evidence. But I think there is the probability, as the Colonies grow in numbers and importance, that that feeling does diminish; and I think it is natural that it should. I have generally met a very friendly feeling in the other Colonies.
5748. Sir Henry Barkly.—Do you think that the refusal of France to extend the most-favoured-nation clause to the Colonies will produce any effect upon the Australian trade?-I do not think it will produce any perceptible effect. Trade might have increased if they had done otherwise. I do not think we should attach very much importance to it.
5749. Do you think if the Australian Colonies were in the position to negotiate separately with France on the subject that it would be to their advantage?—I should imagine that if the colonists could state their own case that they would be likely perhaps to make an impression better than by its being stated second- hand, however influentially it was stated. In the affairs of the world, persons who treat with each other directly generally have more effect than persons who treat through another, although that other may be a much better-informed person than themselves.
(The witness withdrew.)
Sir Henry Parkes, K.O.M.G.
19 May, 1882.
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