The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JULY 17, 1882. Our Defences.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 689, 17 July 1882, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JULY 17, 1882. Our Defences.

TOWN EDITTONT .[lssued ai 4.20 p.m. i

The Egyptian crisis has had the effect of directing public attention in a remarkably forcible manner, to the very defenceless condition of this and the neighboring colonies. Should Bismarck’s words be verified (and it now seems by no means wildly improbable that they may), and “ a general upheaval ” lake place, England will have her hands far too full to be able to render her Australasian dependencies very much assistance in the event of their being attacked. And so far as New Zealand, at least, is concerned, she is entirely helpless and at the mercy of the first powerful invading force that may come along. Should the worst come to the worst we could doubtless muster a fair land force, and that that force would fight bravely and well there can be no question, but of what avail could such a land force as ours be against a powerful naval invasion and a probable bombardment ? The defence of our harbors at the present critical juncture is a matter that so deeply concerns us that it admits of no delay. The whole question of colonial defence—too long neglected—-

is now engaging the attention of the Government, and it is to be hoped that speedy steps will be taken to render our condition a little more re-assuring.