EMPIRE DEFENCES

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 828, 28 May 1910, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCES

REMARKS ON THE AUSTRALASIAN SCHEMES.

BY LORD KITCHENER AND SIR

CEORCE REID

UNIFORM ORGANISATION.

By Tclesraph—Preaa Association-Copyright London, May 26. An Australasian banquet was held at the White City. The guests included Lord Goschen, Mr. Newton Moore (Western Australian Premier), Mr. A. A. Kirkpatrick (Agent-General for South Australia), Dr. M'CoII (Agent-General for Tasmania), Admiral Sir Harry Rawson (ex-Governor of New South Wales), Mr. Boson (ex-Agent-General for Western Australia), Sir. Jenkins (cx-Agent-General for South Australia), Sir John Cockburn (also an ex-South Australian Agent-General),. Captain Muirhead Collins (Secretary to the Australian High Commissioner), ' MajorGeneral Finn (oue time Inspector-Gen-eral of the Commonwealth Military Forces), Mr. 11. C. Hare (Secretary to the Western Australian Government Agency), the Hon. M. L. Moss, K.C. (Western Australia), Sir Montague Nelson, Mr. Nivison, and a number of other representative men, including bankers, shipowners and merchants.

Sir George Reid (Australian High Commissioner) presided. Lord Kitchener, who attended, was accorded an enthusiastic reception. (Rec. May 27, 10.15 p.m.) London, May 27. At the Australasian dinner, Sir Geo. Reid, in proposing the health of Lord Kitchener, said that Australia's beginning of an army and navy might be small, but she felt ablo to take a larger share in the responsibilities of tho Empire. Her soldier and ships would be, in tho first place, for Australia's defence; but, if danger came, whatever ships Canada,. Australia, and South Africa had would very soon bo in the fighting line of the Empire. Tho Australians wanted to start with the very best military advice, and had obtained it. He hoped that Lord Kitchener had given Australia a start which would enable ber to take a high placo in tho Empire on the vital principle of defence.

Lord Kitchener, in replying, • said it was very satisfactory to learn that the scheme ho had prepared had been endorsed by the Fisher Government, which had also -endorsed the appointment of Col. Kirkpatrick as InspectorGeneral of the Commonwealth's Forces, thus obtaining the advice of a very capable officer, who would be of tlio utmost value to them. ' This continuity of policy would enable Australia to successfully • solve ; problems which had given such trouble in other countries. He was also glad to know that New Zealand had adopted the same system; thus a uniform organisation, would be created throughout Australasia. Ho was confident that his schemo would be carried out without serious alterations. He Mas sure that minor obstacles would be ovorcomo without interfering witli the fundamental principles.

LAYINC DOWN AUSTRALIAN CRUISER. v DESTROYER'S TRIALS. London, May 26. Tho keel of an Australian armoured cruiser will be laid on June 23. The Australian High Commissioner, Sir George Reid, is arranging for the ceremony. The steam and gun trials of tho destroyer Parramatta will be completed by June 18. Lieutenant Warren, an Australian officer, has qualified to tako command of a torpedo boat. DEFENCE OF DURBAN. Durban, May 26. Genoral Lord Methuon, Governor of Natal, in a speech at Maritzburg, advocated improved defences for Durban, which he described as the great port of the future.

The defence of tho port, ho said, required two or throe guns powerful enough to keep off cruisers, and the installation of searchlights for the detection of smaller craft. Lord Mothuen also advocated the establishment of a military collcgo for South Africa.