THE Kaipara Advertiser. AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16. 1913.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 16 April 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser. AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16. 1913.

THE EMPIRE'S NAVY. Mr. Churciiill has taken the Empiro into his confidence. He has established the nucleus of the Imperial fleet of the future, which consists of the great battleships presented by the Overseas Dominions. Now a fleet of battleships alone is umhinkable, for the simple reason that it is useless without cruisers, torpedo craft, submarines, docks coal stations, and all things necessary for construction and repair of vessels and weapons, but all theso things arc in the train of the scheme announced by the First Lord. The overseas may contrib ite in any way deemed likely to assist the Motherland (in their own protection) and the British Government is ready to help them even to the arming of merchantmen. The question of the immediate future is how much we arc prepared to do on our side. The principle has beeii accepted all round that the centre of the Empire can not bear the whole coist of the navy, aud that the Overseas must do some of the work. On that basis many attempts have been made to build a naval system): all have been objected to f«.r divers reasons. Now the First Lord has cut the Gordian knot by setting apart a portion of the British fleet for the defence of the outer waters and their patrolling. There can be no difficulty about the command and the consequent

unity. At the same time our aspirations for doing our share are met, and as time goes on the system now established can develope itself along the lines of least resistance. That after all is the supreme desideratum in the building of Empires out of units separated by vast distances. The remarkable feature of the new thing is that the time chosen for iti announcement is so opportune. Only the other day the head of the German navy accepted Mr Churchill's limit of 10—16 as reasonable and fair, and that after the pressure of the new tax specially fixed for the upkeep of the navy had made itself felt with vivid force. The German nation had begun to breathe more easily when the First Lord of the British Admiralty announced his new plan, and stated that it is something entirely outside the 10—16 plan, which is altogether for home waters. That plan, plus the Overseas fleet now established, is the requirement of the whole Empire. As all Europe is praising the diplomacy and force of Britain, the new navy, it is clear, is launched on a sea without a hostile ripple. The great interest shown in the H.M.S. New Zealand by other dependencies, as well as in this country, augurs well for Britain's naval affairs of the future.

THE TOWN BAND. A movement was set a'oot a few weeks ago to form a Brass lUnd for Helensville. The promoters met with support sufficient to encourage them to go ahead with the inauguration scheme, and a baud was duly formed. As is the ease with most other social .institutions in their early stages, the Band is in need of financial assistance. The members are apparently very enthusiastic, but more than enthusiasm is needed to procure the necessary instruments, of -which there aro several urgently required. Some donations are acknowledged by the secretary in this issue, but more are required so that the preliminary work of the organisation—practice—can proceed under favourable conditions. A Brass Band should be just as valuable an adjunct to our *ocial affairs as in other towns of similar size, and as much appreciated. Indeed a hearty welcome should be tendered an organisation associated with such a bright and charming influence as music. The presence of a Band at various social functions, athletic sports, agricultural and horticultural shows, etc., adds considerably to the public enjoyment and success of the gatherings ; and there are many other channels, such as performances in public j)laccs, through which the people may derive considerable pleasure by having a Brass j Band. There are members waiting for instruments at the present -time, and as the cause is a \ Tery deserving one, wo hope the period of waiting will be a short one and their enthusiasm encouraged while they arc so deeply interested. Such an institution is decidedly a valuable asset to a town, and therefore entitled to hearty support.

New that the question of a pipe track from the watershed has been satisfactorily settled the water supply scheme comes within the pule of events that arc closely proceeded by th< j.ir shadows. The pipes for this work should come to hand in a few days' time, and it is hoped that the Engineer will push on with it as rapidly as possible, as it is now some considerable time since the water suppty question was taken in hand. The drainage works are about completed, which will allow concentration of effort on the water installation. The Town Board fully realises the importance cf getting tlie project carried out with despatch, and we feel sure will do everything possible to bring it to an early completion.