NAVAL DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1667, 6 February 1913, Page 7

NAVAL DEFENCE.

« NEW ZEALAND'S PART. SPEECHES IN LONDON. VOYAGE OF THE GIFT SHIP. By TeleEraßh-Press Assoclation-OoDirieht London, February 4. I Speaking at the gathering of New Zea- | landers to inspect the battle-cruiser NewZealand at Portsmouth, the Hon. Thomas \ Mackenzie, High Commissioner for New \ Zealand, said he was proud that he had 1 been a member of Sir Joseph Ward's Gov- . eminent. Jho coat-of-arms might be taken ■ to typify Drake's Revenge, Anson's Ccn- , turion, and Halsey's Now Zealand. Where- ■ as the former were buccaneers, Captain Halsey's'mission would be one of peace and goodwill. They were, proud New Zealand was the first to make a definite offer. Australia quickly followed, then Canada and Malay. He was sure that South Africa, India, and other British oversea dependencies would do their part. The Newi Zealand's voyage, ho saidi would bo a great demonstration, as it showed that England, by trusting tho overseas Dominions by giving them the power of self-government and the privilege of working out their own destinies, had in return received the overseas Dominions' spontaneous support; whereas when it attempted to forco the United States to contribute to its defence it lost its possession of that counry. Tho voyage would also be an indication to. Britain's envious rivals that tho Mother Country would not be threatened or menaced without them having to reckon with her daughter States; for the words "Hands off!" would come from tho cannon's mouth. On behalf of Britain's daughters New Zealand typified the power of the Empire over the sea. New Zea- p land and the other Dominions were exceedingly anxious that tho.Navy of tho Empire should be equal to any challenge. They realised that in past times the dependencies wero constantly exchanged to moot tho exigenoies of war settlement, but they did not now wish to beconlo pawns on tho .chess-board. /. Tho. Hon. James Allen, New Zealand Minister for Defence, said that if tho Mother Country needed more, assistance New Zealand would give it. She was determined to keep tho flag flying on the seas the world over.: They were nnxious that tho Pacific should bo as safo as tho Atlantic and the North Sea. He hoped the colonies in tho Pacific would put their heads together and ensure that safety. New Zealand would not bo satisfied until there were mora ships and more Now Zealand bluejackets. Ho considered it nn insufficient secrificei to give material only, to tho Umpire's needs. They must also givb • the men, who would bo forthcoming when they could afford it. ' -As the day on'which the King is, to inspect the. New Zealand will bo Ash Wednesday. th'o inspection will be semiprivate. There will be no, guard of honour, and only ono reporter, and one photographer.. . AN HISTORIC EVENT. . " LONDON PRESS COMMENT. , ' i (Rcc. February 5, 10.40 p.m.) t •: Londom February 5. . Tho newspapers are giving, prominence to the King's visit,to the. New Zealand, and.have published: a, number of long leaders on tho subject. 1 , .-'..' •The "Daily Maii" says tho visit has a deep historic significance and tho: vessel is a living proof that wo have great allies in kindred overseas. New Zealand's examplo is. bearing'splendid fruit, but the Dominions' generosity has in nowise diminished the need for British exertion. If only five battleships are laid doVn in 1913 Britain will not maintain the sixty per cent margin over-tho next navy., : ( The /'Morning Post" eays Now! Zealand has set a movement in train that . bids fair to culminate in the organisation' [ of a great defensive league between the self-governing States,of tho Empire. The ! growth of nationality overseas will give the sentiment of loyalty to the. Empire more vigour and purpose, and experience will show the best machinery to provide for united action. The' "Daiiy Express" says the King's visit pute the seal on a development which has completely changed British seapower. ■.'."'■ Tho 'Tall Mall Gazette," in referring to the inspection by tho King of the I battle-cruiser New Zealand, says: "What an occasion for the Monarch, captain, midi shipmen, bluejackets, and marines aboard! . A freewill offering from the most distant j Dominion, and a sign and symbol of a , tether' stronger than death binding the i distant lands of, the British. Common- | wealth; tho New Zealand goes to greet South; Africans, Australians, Canadians, : in the name of their New Zealand brej thren." CANADIAN DEBATE; BORDEN SCHEME OPPOSED. "'- ; (Reo. February 5, 0.25 p.m.) Ottawa, February B. t Mr. Levi Thomson, member for Qu'Appcllo, continued the debate in tho Canadian House of Commons yesterday on Mr. Borden's proposal to present three I battleships to tho Navy. Mr. Thomson ! said ho -was disinclined to believe that the a Empire was in any -way endangered by 9 German aggression. Germany and Japan 5 had been flirting lately and therefore the - real place for battleships was tho Pacific. Ho ridiculed the idea that the placing ■- of the fleet in tho Pacific was likely to ! lead to separation. If tho Empire was , ever destroyed its destruction would bo 5 ddo to tho Imperialists and jingoes, for the tighter one drew the bonds of Empire the more likely they were to break.