DEFENCE PROBLEMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8355, 15 February 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE PROBLEMS

THE WORLD’S PEACE THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ATTITUDE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 13. The Hon. James Allen, New Zealand’s Minister of Finance and Defence, was entertained at by tho Royal Colonial Institute. Ear. Grey, late Governor-General of Canada, presided. Among those present wen the Hon. Thomas Mackenzie (High Commissioner for New Zealand), Lora Pluuket, the Earl of Stradbroke (chairman of the County of Sutfolk Terntorial Army Association), Lora Lamington (ex-Governor of Queensland), and many Now Zealanders and AusIn replying to the toast “Our Guest,” Mr Allen detailed New Zealand's efforts to uphold British traditions, including the treatment ot Maoris, and her action with regard to military and naval defence. had been don© had been done wilixngJy, and if called upon to make similar sacrifices in the future, no New Zealanders would say “No.” New Zealand had come to tho conclusion that spasmodic efforts were insufficient; that something permanent must bo done. His recent visit to Australia had convinced him that Australians were making greater sacrifices for Empire defence than any other of the Dominions. Appeals to the spirit of nationality had enabled Australia to do that. If a similar appeal to the spirit ol nationality was made in New Zealand, Mr Allen was convinced that a permanent defence organisation would be established which would make the Empiro even stronger to maintain the world’s peace. . Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing Earl Grey’s health, said that everyone might not agree with all Mr Allen s views, but everybody would admit that ho was animated by on earnest desire to promote Imperial ideals. Earl Grey, in bis reply, said that New Zealand’s gift Dreadnought had revealed to the nations the potential strength of-the Overseas Dominions. CLASSIFYING RESERVISTS IMPORTANT FACTOR IN EMPIRE’S SAFETY. (Received February 14, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 14. Tbo Under-Secretary for War, C9IO- - Seely, speaking at Hammersmith, said that tho Government would undertake in proper time to equip the national reservists, and they believe that the classifying of the reservists is one of tho most formidable factors in rendering the Empire safe.