“REFORM” GENEROSITY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8350, 10 February 1913, Page 6

“REFORM” GENEROSITY

Notwithstanding the assertions of self-styled Reform that the Hon. James Allen did not mean what ho said when he offered an expeditionary force of eight thousand men for foreign service, it is quite evident, from the tone ot more recent press cablegrams, that the Minister for Defence has been rapped over tho knuckles by his Ministerial chief. Mr Allen has adopted a more discreet and moderate style. He is still protesting that whatever Sir Joseph Ward did for naval defence, his Government is prepared to do a great deal more, but this is a political advertisement that “Reform” is entitled to make the most of at the present moment. It sounds well, and unlike the expeditionary force offer, will cost the country nothing until it secures tho sanction of Parliament in a more tangible form. Also, let us hope, it will stimulate the generoug impulses of

the foreign investor to keep the interest on that million-and-three-quartor loan down to something like three per cent. Still in the chastened and discreet mood, but nevertheless determined to pile up tho burden of patriotic obligations to New Zealand under which tho Mother Country is beginning to stagger, the Hon James has now furnished the whole world with a further striking testimony to the unselfish loyalty of this remote country to tho Motherland. With magnificent magnanimity, and a line scorn for all consequences, he offered to permit the Admiralty to defer tho visit of H.M.S. Now Zealand to these waters till o later and more suitable time. Surely this was splendid. Tho “Uaih Mail,” at all events, thinks so. It says the offer adds yet another to tho many deeds of patriotism which have laid Britain under such a heavy debt. And who can doubt it? But the people of New Zealand will bo spared the bitter disappointment that this postponed sailing would havo entailed. The Admiralty was too unselfish to take advantage of “Reform” generosity, and, probably with its tongue in its cheek, packed the New' Zealand off without further remark. After all, the British Navy does not consist of H.M.S. New Zealand alone, and, all things considered, it would have been a shame it the people of this country had been compelled to lose any sleep through impatience at the tardy arrival of their Dreadnought.