EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 967, 16 March 1911, Page 4

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

London, March 13. The Pall Mall Gazette, referring to Sir Joseph Ward’s speech at Sydney, says he gives ringing voice to a perception which has lately seized Britons overseas that the Empire’s defence is a burden which Britain is no longer able to carry alone. Sir Joseph’s is the first candid official announcement that the Dominions are ready to fully discharge their moral obligations and that his claim for participating in the control must be accepted. The Globe recalls Sir James Bevan Edwards' proposal tor an Imperial Defence Parliament, and says the main difficulty with both schemes is the possibility of any new Imperial Parliament superseding existing Parliaments. The House of Commons would never abandon the historic right of control of the great spending Department. A possible alternative would be to have a Commons Committee for Home defence co-operating with similar defence committees elected by Overseas Parliaments. The Stardard hopes that the Imperial Government will carefully consider Sir Joseph Ward’s spirited declaration regarding the two-Power standard, and that a fitting response will be made at the Imperial Conference. The Morning Leader (Liberal), in opposing the increase in the Naval estimates, characterises Sir Joseph’s speech as a fine, emphatic and frank statement that the maintenance of the two-Power standard is becoming impossible for Great Britain unaided by her dependencies. Sydney, March 14. The Sydney Morning Herald, commenting on Sir Joseph Ward’s speech, says it is refreshingly wide of the limitations of local politics. In that way alone the Imperial Conference has done immeasurable service to the Empire and the Dominions in the aspect of a larger view. The speech admirably befitted the Premier of New Zealand en route to a great Empire assembly, wherein he has a due and honoured place. The Telegraph says Sir Joseph Ward’s scheme is new only in so far as it postulates full local autonomy for each unit of the Imperial Federation. Sir Joseph will have to develop his scheme considerably before it can be placed on the table of the Imperial Conference in a form that can even be discussed by practical statesmen.

The Japanese, being born in a country of pretty flowers such as the chrysanthemum, it is no wonder that we credit them with such delicate taste of blended colours as we are wont to do. Mrs Hamer is now offering some very attractive Japanese Crepelines at the remarkably low price of lOd yard.* Readers of the Herald will do drapers and storekeepers a good utrn—as well as themselves—by always asking for the popular ROSLYN all-wool clothing, blankets, flannels, rugs, tweeds, yarns, socks, stockings, jerseys, and unshrinkable underwear, “ Delta ” finish. Remember, the best is the cheapest, hence we say, “ ask for Roslyn.”* If in want of Birthday, Wedding or other gifts, go to Parkes’, the jeweller, the shop for presents.* The thrifty woman who visits M. Hamer’s will find some remarks able snips to be picked up during the next few weeks. A few lines of print are offering at 5d yard, and all millinery will be disposed of at cut prices to make room for winter stock.*