THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1198, 22 January 1914, Page 2

THE REVIEW OF REVIEWS.

lu ihe January 12th number Mr Stead returns again to the question of defence. He welcomes the growing demaud that the cost of preparing Australia to meet the remote contingency of attack by a hostile power should be kept within bounds. He puts forward as a souud formula “Defence cost must not exceed 20s a head.’’ He calls attention to the entire omission from the naval estimates of the provision made by Admiral Henderson for depreciation this year (,£250,000), and asks whether it is proposed to leave the re-building of the fleet to posterity. He points out that the increase in the initial cost of the fleet unit is due entirely to having the “Brisbane” and several destroyers built here. Earl Grey, late Governor-General of Canada, is visiting Australia next month, and appropriately a fine character sketch ot this empire-builder appears in the magazine. It was written some time ago by W. T. Stead, who was a life-long intimate friend. The Australian States have not yet decided whether they will participate in the great Panama Exhibition or not. Mr Stead points out that on a par capita basis the greatest amount required would be £555° f rom New South Wales. Tasmania would only be asked for ,£644. In view of the low cost he urges the States to hesitate no longer, but to grasp at this opportunity of advertising Australia before a great audience. One of the most Informing contributions on the question of Public Examination Reform is made by Mr Littlejohn, M.A., of Scotch College, Melbourne, His article deals thoiougly with the changes proposed by the University, which, on the whole, he strongly approves. The views of this eminent educationalist will be of interest not only to teachers, but to parents also.