A LEAD FROM AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2299, 5 November 1914, Page 4

A LEAD FROM AUSTRALIA

Some facts relating to Naval Defence were mentioned in.the House, of Representatives yesterday which should not be .overlooked by those who wish to arrive at a just estimate, of the existing' position and of New Zealand's responsibilities in regard to future developments. It is, of course, well known and fully recognised that this country Hob under a debt of deep, gratitude to Australia

in tbe matter of naval protection, but the extent to which we arc dependent upon the Australian Squadron has possibly not been fully realised, and tho plain speaking in which the Prime Minister and hia colleague, the Minister of Defence; indulged yesterday should do a good deal to clear up any uncertainty that may exist on this head. Mr. Massey said in the plainest terms tbat if it had not been for the Australian Navy New Zealand would have had its fortified towns attacked and its commerce endangered. The position is that the ships of the Imperial Navy are fully engaged in Home waters and in guarding the great trade routes of the world, and no such naval force as Australia now maintains could have been pro- , vided by the Imperial Government for the defence of the British Dominions in this part of the world. Aa the Minister of Defence remarked yesterday, what has been taking place during the last few months has opened the eyes of everybody.' It was the fashion with some people a little while ago to conde'mn any suggestion of a working arrangement with Australia in regard to naval matters, on the ground that it might imply some disloyalty to the Imperial connection. This, of course, was quite absurd, and these same people have now every reason to bo grateful for the fact that Australian ships and guns stand between them and Ecribuß calamity. The fact of the matter is that events,. greater and more convincing, than mere words or arguments, have plainly laid down the only naval policy that New Zealand can follow •with any regard for its self-respect. The breach of the 1909 N,aval Agreement *makes it perfectly clear that this country cannot hope to secure that immediate 'protection from the ships of the Imperial Navy which is now conferred upon it by the Australian Squadron. In the sense that the fate of New Zealand is interwoven with that of the British Empire, we are at all times protected bV the British Fleet, but if we wish fordo our share and keep our coasts inviolable and our trade routes clear then obviously we must follow Australia's lead and attend, by self-reliant local_ action; to these details. It is in the interests of the Mother Country as well as in our own interest that the sea routes in these waters should be free to our trading ships at all times.