THE NAVAL AND MILITARY DEFENCES OF THE COLONIES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2188, 1 March 1881, Page 3

THE NAVAL AND MILITARY DEFENCES OF THE COLONIES.

At the meeting of the Intercolonial Conference at Sydney, Mr Morgan moved, seconded by Mr Palmer (who stated that ho only did so for the purpose of raising discussion) —“ That in the opinion of this Confer ence the time ha* arrived when joint action should be taken for the more efficient naval defence of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand, and for the protection of the large number of valuable vessels now engaged in the Australian carrying trade. With this view united representations should be made to the Imperial Government, requesting that a sufficient naval force should be maintained in Australian waters, to be used exclusively for h» defence and protection of the Australian colonies and New Zealand. Subject as in the last paragraph mentioned, the naval force, as so employed, to be under the exclusive control of the Admiralty. Any scheme of naval defence should also include the naval defence of the harbors of the capitals of the different colonies, and the fortifications of King George’s Sound —or some other port in Western Australia, and the maintenance of a sufficient force for holding the same. In view of the present and daily increasing wealth and importance of the Australian colonies and New Zealand, and the magnitude of the interests involved, this conference is of opinion that it would bo unreasonable to expect the Imperial Government to bear tho whole expense of the largely increased force, which it will become necessary to maintain if the above scheme is carried out ; but os Imperial interests are also largely involved, the Imperial Government should contribute to the extent of one moiety. The representatives assembled at this conference undertake to recommend to their respective Governors to make representation to the Imperial Government on the basis of the foregoing resolution, and to request the concurrence of the Imperial authorities therein. They (with the exception of Western Australia) agree to the payment of one moiety of the expense of carrying out such a scheme as is here suggested, including the building and maintenance of the fortifications of King George’s Sound. Such moiety to bo contributed rateably by all the colonies and New Zsaland (except Western Australia) on the basis of population. The adoption of these resolntions does not in any way affect the question of the land fortification and defence of particular ports, which will be left, as now, to the discretion of the colonies interested.”

After considerable discussion, Mr Giblin moved, as an amendment, seconded by Mr Palmer, “ That all the words after the word ‘ conference,’ in the first line, be omitted, with a view to inserting the following words : 1 Considering the largo Imperial interests involved, ths naval defence of these colonies should continue to be the exclusive charge of the Imperial Government, and that the strength of the Australian squadron should bo increased. That the members of this conference pledge themselves to use all legitimate endeavors to procure the efficient fortifications and land defence of the several ports of the Australian colonies, at tho cost of the several colonies interested,’ ”

Motion put—“ That the words proposed to bo omitted stand part of the question.” Aye —South Australia, Noes—New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania. Western Australia declined to vote.

Further motion put—“ That the words proposed to be inserted be inserted.” Carried unanimously.

The amended resolution was then put as follows s—" That in the opinion of this conference, considering the large Imperial interests involved, the naval defence of those colonies should continue to be the exclusive charge of the Imperial Government, and that the strength of tho Australian squadron should be increased. That the members of this conference pledge themselves to use all legitimate endeavours to procure the efficient fortifications and land defence of the several ports of the Australian colonies, at the cost of the several colonies interested.” Carried unanimously. Memo.—The representatives of South Australia wished it to be understood that, although not voting against the amended motion, they were of opinion that—in order more effectually to secure tho employment of an Australian squadron for the exclusive defence of Australian ports—the colonies ought to contribute to the cost of maintaining such squadron.