The Globe. SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 1877.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 917, 2 June 1877, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 1877.

The question of colonial defence still occupies a large share of attention at the hands of the newspapers, and also that of those in authority. Whatever is done should he done quickly. If Great Britain is involved in war, in all probability it will be at no distant date, and there is no time to discuss the delicate question of how large a share of the burden shall be placed on Imperial shoulders, and how much shall be contributed by the colonists themselves. It is quite true, as suggested by one of our morning contemporaries, that we are all British subjects, and " entitled to protection from attack by those with whom the Queen is at war." But our " exemption from British taxation, our direct interest in the security of our lives and our property, and in the welfare and integrity of the Empire," constitute more than a strong claim upon us to aid in the protection of our ports. If our Government neglect even for a day taking active steps to secure us some protection, they are, in our opinion, neglecting a manifest duty to the people. Of course it is quite right and proper that a thorough understanding should be arrived at between the Imperial and Colonial Governments as to a correct system of colonial defence, and the share each should bear of the expense. Such a question should be settled on a clear and satisfactory basis. But it is evident we think that whatever decision is arrived at, the defence of our harbours will be left almost entirely to ourselves. We j can hardly expect the British taxpayer to contribute to the cost of fortifying our towns. If the Imperial fleet in these waters is strengthened, it is the most that wo can call upon

the home authorities to do. We could not of course equip and maintain a fleet powerful enough to guard our shores against foreign ships, and if the British Government undertakes that part of our defence we ought to be satisfied. But in addition to the presence of a strong fleet in these seas, we must be prepared to defend our ports against unexpected attacks, and the expense of this must clearly fall upon ourselves. But whatever may be the decision, it is clear that immediate action is necessary. Much has been published regarding the defence of our harbors by means of torpedoes and torpedo vessels. We hope the Government are not overlooking these simple and inexpensive, and at the same time, most effective means of defence.

A telegbam published elsewhere states that in all probability the Otago members will have a good deal to say in the Assembly, next session, concerning Mr. Whitaker's Auckland trip in the Hinemoa and other circumstances connected with the use of that vessel. Elsewhere, the subject has also been occupying attention, and the general opinion is that the cost of the Stella and Hinemoa is enormous, and out of all proportion to the means of the colony. The Stella certainly may be of use as a lighthouse tender, and she may be able to do work, which hired steamers could not do, but the Hinemoa ought to be sold. On this subject the Wellington Argus says : " We would ask what good service has this vessel done since she came out ? She has on several occasions conveyed Ministers to and fro, from one port to another, at an enormous expense, when the said Ministers might just as well have travelled by the ordinary coastal steamers, although perhaps not quite so luxuriously. She has also taken the Governor and a distinguished party to view the pretty scenery of the West Coast; she has made one or two trips with Government stores, and once, we think carried the mails. These services could all have been performed by the Union Company's vessels, and at, we venture to say, one twentieth part of what they have cost."

The Devil must have been playing strange pranks -with the Press tliis morning. Jones and Brown both subscribe to that excellent paper, and, of course, eagerly looked for and discussed the very exciting telegrams which by bell, book, and candle -light —not to speak of sentiy-boxes —are sent all over the laud, apparently to induce a state of non compositor mentis in the sleepy typos who are forced to set them up, and of bewilderment in their readers who are constrained to set them down, as puzzles of the most amusing and cheerful character. Says Brown to Jones —"Now then, how about the neutrality of Germany ? War with France, my boy, you may depend upon that." And here Brown stuck his thumb in his vest pocket, and began to recite Political Economy in 5 vols. But Jones stopped that quick—" How, when, where, what?" Why, says Brown " Haven't you seen the 'Latest telegrams ?' " " Of course I have; but there is nothing in them about Alsace, Lorraine, &c;" and here beginneth a discussion too amusing to quote, which might have been sooner ended, as it was at last, after some spirited betting, in the production by both of their several copies of the Press, when, chorus by Brown and Jones — 'Tis written in this column, But 'tis absent from that; Be r e' Bourgeoise to prove it, But there isn't, that's flat. And they fled to drown their sorrows. If they had looked further they would have found (in a paragraph) a child who had been lost, or lost a child which had been found, or viae versa, or both, or either, according as having paid their money they took their choice. Now the point is, are there two Presses or are, perchance, the " Electric Bells " laid on direct to the machine, the type of which by some sleepy manipulator is so bedevilled as to appear and disappear like the squares of a magic chess-board. Thi6 must be seen to.