OUR NAVAL POLICY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1893, 30 October 1913, Page 7

OUR NAVAL POLICY.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT. NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT CONGRATULATED. "A STATESMANLIKE OUTLOOK." By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, October 29. The "Sydney Morning Herald" says, referring to the New Zealand Government's naval policy:—"Mr. Massoy's statement will be received with gratification in Australia—first, because it marks further determination on the part of New Zealand to pursuo her patriotic endeavour to make an effective contribution to tho defence needs of the Emfiiro; secondly, because in two important respects it records an approxi; mation to tho policy of tho Commonwealth; Tho statement marks a second stage in tho ovolution of that joint coordinated organisation of Imperial defence in the Pacific of which the establishment of an Australian navy was the first. Personal service is of greater moment than a mere cash subsidy.. Wo nre glad New Zealand has taken up this matter with such a wholehearted recognition of its importance. The policy of New Zealand naturally opens up the whole question of co-operation with Australia, and affords further cogent reason for the early holding of a Defence Conference." The "Herald" adds"Advantage will doubtless be taken of tho arrangement already made for the training of New Zealand naval cadets in the Commonwealth Naval College. In other matters, whilst thero will bo no attempt on tho part of tho Commonwealth to interfere with tho domestic arrangements of her sister Dominion, every possiblo means of cordial co-operation for common ends will be heartily welcomed and reciprocated by Australia. Wo congratulate the Dominion on the statesmanlike outlook."

LONDON PRESS CRITICISM. (Rec. Octobcr 29, 10.15 p.m.) London, October 29. The London "Daily Telegraph" applauds New Zealand's courage and enterprise in naval defence, but deplores, on tho highest ground, that the revenue and men which could have been more profitably applied l to tho internal development of the country should havo been diverted. The "Telegraph" blames the Imperial Government's laissez-faire policy for Now Zealand's plunge into the vortex of armaments. "Neither. Australia nor New Zealand," says the "Telegraph," "can afford the luxuries of navies, in view of tlieir immoiiso liabilities to meet the development of the territories. Both aro under the shadow of a mighty fleet, _ which gives security against any possible enemy. They may spend to tho uttermost farthing, yet do little to (ret, relatively, more security in the Pacific, and do nothing to cement tho strength of the Empire, or assist tho Motherland's burdens. Small navies are always costly, and usually inefficient." The "Morning Post" observes that England cannot quarrel with the Antipodes for launching out for themselves in the Pacific, "especially as we failed to keep our pledge to patrol their coasts." Tlio new policy is- the_ right ono for. the Antipodean Dominions, teaching the realities of.life, aiid giving strength and self-reliance." ~ "The Times" says that "New Zealand's past record is an earnest of tho spirit in which she addresses herself to new Work. While the creation of local flotillas cannot completely provide her naval security, it must bo an essential part of an adequate system of naval defence for the Empire." RECEPTION IN CANADA. (Rec. October 80, 0.25 a.m.) Ottawa, October 29. Tho Liboral press acclaims New Zealand's naval policy, declaring that the opportunity is now given to Canada, West Australia, and New Zealand to combino for tho defence of the Pacific. Tho Laurier policy of two Canadian fleets, one on tho Atlantic and the other on the Pacific, would enable Canada to •unito with tho Mother Country to defend the Atlantic, and also to unite with Australia aiid New Zealand to defend the Pacific, Mr. Massey's abandonment of tho subsidies to the Royal Navy may he taken as an indication- that Canada ought never to begin such a Bystem. Sir Wilfrid Laurier (Leader of tho Opposition), in an electioneering speech, declared that the Borden naval policy was conceived in iniquity and mendacity, and had ended in discomfort. Canada was becoming a nation, and tho people ought to be prepared to reliove England from the necessity of defending the Canadians.