NO TRIFLING WITH DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1294, 24 November 1911, Page 7

NO TRIFLING WITH DEFENCE.

LORD ISLINGTON'S VIEWS. (By felSiri-ft'ob.—Pr'cßa Association.l ■ • Nelson, November 23. In the course of a speech at a'banquet tendered him by the citizens, Lord Mingtoil stated that ho made no apology for speaking somewhat prominently on the subject of expressing unbounded, admiration for the sbheme that had been adopted. Ho declined to regard it as a controversial: matter, and preferred' to beliove that tho peoplo regarded it as, a i national matter, and as one of unquestioned urgency. When the .preparations that were being made by various countries, they realised that it .was a matter for them to seriously consider in conjunction with every 1 membef of the Empire and, when thoy,thought, of the isolation' of Notv Zealand; they 'must take a deep interest in defence. They had tho incalculable advantage of tlj,o protection of their tnjde routes, by the great Imperial ho was glad to say, by financial assistance from thq, Dominion. It had, hojyevor, become a|. recognised thing that naval supremacy alone was insufficient. Hatred of > war was common to . thorn all, and every step should be taken by those responsible to, prevent it, Only preparedness for war could do so. Speaking after many years' exporienco ill the Yeomanry in England, he could assure the Territorials that, so far from finding training irksome, thsy would, find i' a sotirce. of interest, and.pleasure. He was sure that a-commqn-sense view would be exercised by . the authorities in fixing the dates and.hours tor training, and inconvenienco to tiny would be minimiso!! as much ak x possible, j