COLONIAL DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1375, 20 October 1886, Page 3

COLONIAL DEFENCE.

Wellington, October 20.

fpjjg Premier and Colonial Treasurer have written memoranda for His Excellency the Governor in reference to Admiral Tryon’a letter of the 6th Jane, dealing with colonial defence. The Premier in his memo refers to previous correspondence In May, In which the Government recommend Parliament to make an annual payment of, say, £20,000 for ten years towards strengthening the naval defences of the o >Lny, conditionally that during peace some part in vhe colony should be chosen as the head quarters of a*’ least two vessels of the fleet. Be now says that after further consideration. Ministers are unable to dispense with this condition ; but if it can be shown that the cost on a peace footing would be increased beyond the former estuni e, Ministers would be prepared to »*k for a moderate increase upon the £20,01)0 Admiral Tryon’s letter to the Goveromen of Victoria involves In hi* scheme of naval defence the relationship of the Colonies as regards defending themselves In case of war. and asbs tiem to oive contributions towards the general expenses of the fleet of the Empire. The Premier continues that Ministers do not think that the Australasian colonies can be expected to aid in the general defence of the Empire nn less contributions are obtained from all the British possessions, based on population and wealth, trade or area, or on consideration of all these different matters, or on one or more of them. He suggests that some scheme on the question might be drawn up by the Imperial Government to submit to the various colonies and other possessions for consideration. Ministers point out that the question involves how far taxation can be expected from people until they have some voice in its disposal. If the colonies contribute to the cost of the naval defences of the Empire they should have a voice in the general expenditure, and also in saying when the Empire is to go to wa». Ministers do not think the time ripe for any different form of government or bend of unity than now exists. It ia apparent to them that were the Empire united in a more general and stronger _ form than the form of union which now exists, the united Kingdom would be a greater power among the nations, and assume a position more asm to that of the United States than to that of any other r nropean power, and it could stand aloof from European ware and struggles. If this position were assumed, there might arise a close bond of intimacy if no actual union between Imperial interests and those of the United States From the correspondence which bag passed between the A dmiral and the Governors and 1 remiers of the colonies, Ministers think that there is little chance of a settlement of the question of colonial defence, but suggest that the question above referred to should be considered.