NAVY AND EMPIRE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1874, 7 October 1913, Page 7

NAVY AND EMPIRE.

4 NO IMPERIAL CONFERENCE 1 THIS YEAR. 1 KEEN DISAPPOINTMENT. ] i By Telejr&ph—Profo A««ociation—Oopyrlelit j London, October 6. t The "Daily Telegraph" states, on 1 tho highest that Mr. As- < quitli, the Prime Minister, has decided not to summon an Imperial Naval Conference. 1 (Rec. October 6, 10.80 p.m.) 1 Tho "Daily Telegraph," commenting editorially on tho Government's decision not to summon a conference, states that this announcement will' occasion wide- ' spread disappointment, particularly ' overseas. "Australia," says tho "Tele- ! graph," "is anxious for advice and guidanco, while New Zealand is hesi- ' tating how she can further assist in our ■ naval defence. South 'Africa and Canada are also desirous of expert advice." "Mr. Asquith's decision," continues the paper, "is due to internal political difficulties. Cabinet has not foreseen the resentment that would be aroused even ill somo Liberal quarters by tho operations of tho Parliament Act, and is particularly surprised at the character of Ulster's opposition. That being so, Cabinet is disinclined to invite the representatives of the oveascas Dominions until tho General Election has cleared the political atmosphere for a consultation upon naval affairs within tho Empire. Tho proposal is thus deferred till 1915. Meanwhile, individual overseas' Ministers can visit England and meet the members of the Defence Committee and the heads of tho Admiralty and War Office. CONTRETEMPS AT NAVY BANQUET NO SEAT FOR LIEUTENANT- ' GOVERNOR. By Telesrrapli—Press Aesociatlon—OopirlffM (Rec. October 6,; 9.15 p.m.) Sydney, October 6. Aji unpleasant contretemps ocourred' at tho Navy reception' banquet in tho Town Hall on Saturday. Sir William Cullen, Chief Justice and LieutenantGovernor of Now South Wales, was on circuit, and his letter accopting tho invitation to ho present at the banquet had apparently miscarried. His namo did not appear on the seat plan. At tho eleventh hour it was learned that he would be present in his place as principal guest, and tho table was ticketed accordingly. But by a furthor mischance, no cover was laid or chair provided, and beforo this could be remedied or an explanation made Sir William Culleoi left tho hall. ILLUMINATIONS AND DISPLAYS. (Rec. October 6, 10.35 p.m.) Sydnoy, October 6. The city and harbour were again illuminated, A fireworks display and other festivities in honour of the fleet weTo also arranged. Crowds of people visited tho ships. (Rec. October 7, 0.65 a.m.) London, October G. The newspapers in London malfo a feature of Sydney's welcomo .to the fleet. , The "Daily Mail" says that the great example which, tk© New Zealand have set will boar fruit in the future. The'"Daily Telegraph deolares_ that the protection of tho outor seas is an Imperial emergency. "Tho ono glcani of light through tho lowering clouds, concludes the articlo, 'is tho partial consummation of the Australian' Commonwealth's naval ideal.