DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 82, 29 November 1912, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

CANADA’S OBLIGATIONS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(United Press Association.)

Ottawa, November 27. An amendment has been moved to the Address to the Throne, that Parliament is not justified in imposing on the Canadian people obligations for the general defence of the Empire so long as the British Government retains exclusive control of Imperial international affairs. A lively debate is anticipated. THE TERRITORIALS. London, November 28. _ Lord Roberts, speaking at the Association of the Men of Kent’s banquet, said that discipline was not being instilled into the Territorials by the present powers. Their mobilisation and transport were totally inadequate, and as a defence force against invasion they were practically useless. It was foolish to trust the defence of the country to a make-believe army, untrained. under-officered, and amdormanned. The Territorial officers should intimate to the Government that they were not in a position to cary out the duties entrusted to them. Danncvirke, November 28. Before the Court to-day, on two charges of failing to attend parades, a Territorial was fined £5 or ono month’s imprisonment, ho having deliberately ignored orders.

H. M. S. NEW ZEALAND

London, November 28. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr. Lee, Mr. Churchill made it clear that no modification of the naval programme would result from Malaysia’s offer of a ship, which was entirely additional. He added that the battle cruiser New Zealand waff being quickly completed, and would go to New Zealand some months earlier than expected. She was practically in commission at the present tiiho. (Received. 9.10 a.m.) 'b London, November 28. The Daily News says that what people are anxious to know is whether the ships presented or built by the Dominions are to be of real assistance, or only an additional burden to the British people. If ships are unnecessary for the expansion of an otherwise adequate programme, then . the Dominions are doing good to nobody and, harming themselves and Britishers. ■ j