THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEACE SOCIETY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2077, 2 March 1889, Page 3

THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEACE SOCIETY

♦ On the conclusion of a kcture by Mr Jones (of the Peace Society), at Wellington, tiio Excellency the Governor, who presided, aqd who, when introducing the leotnrer, had observed that he should probably have something to say when Mr Jones had finished, literally sprang to his feet and proceeded forthwith m a most vigorous and eloquent opeeoh to demolish Mr Jonea entirely. His Kxoellency spoke with extraordinary fire and animation, and his remarks were received with uproarious cheer*. Sir Wm, Jervoli said be folly agreed that arbitration was desirable, bnt that so long as humanity and human passions remained as they were war oould not be avoided. He quoted the Latin proverb, to the effect if you wish for pe»O3 prepare for war, and maintained that even m theae remote colonies It was absolutely necessary to prepare against the desoent of a hostile [ force. He koew positively thst about ten years ago a Power, with wbioh England was nearly nt war, had made complete preparations for a deioant on all th* onproteoted ports of these colonies. He oould give them chapter and verse for that if it were neoessary. As it was, the oolony bad provided morn defences, and was, la his opinion, very nearly prepared to meet inoh foes as might possibly oome m oase of war. He fl»ld, "By all means settle things by arbitration if yon oan, but if that falls then you must be prepared m the last resource to e»y ' I defy yon,' and that means war." There was a crowded audienoe, who went strongly with the Governor.