DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 81, 30 November 1912, Page 7

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

ADMIRAL KING-HALL’S VIEWS. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, November 27. In a speech at the Harbour Board luncheon Admiral King-Hall said that he had been, asked: Is Auckland, to,he the naval base? There could he no doubt that it must be a secondary base in the future. Whatever the future naval policy of the Dominion might be. it was absolutely impossible for the Commonwealth or the Dominion to do anything but support the Old Country; and this they would always do, for they, new that the Empire stood for freedom, liberty, and justice, and the bonds binding them were irrevocable to each other. Though very light, they were as strong,as the finest tempered steel. He believed* that in time—he was only giving his personal opinion—they would have a Pacific fleet, comprising divisions from the Dominions whose shores were washed by that ocean, and he saw no reason why a beginning should not he made by the Dominion joining forces and co-operating with the Commonwealth in forming a Royal Australasian Navy, There-were no insuperable difficulties in the nay that could not be overcome by a very little tact and statesmanship! He added that he thought the question of building a Dread nought dock big enough to take the largest men-of-war would soon have to be considered by the Harbour Board.

Tho Prime Minister, replying to the toast of “Parliament,” reviewed the proposal regarding New Zealand as it at present stands, which includes the establishment in New Zealand waters of a unit of tho China- Squadron—two cruisers, two destroyers, and two submarines. “In my opinion,” sa-d Mr Massey, “the naval position is so important that it must he looked into by the people and Parliament ol this country. Without disclosing Cabinet secrets, I will say that the Government of New Zealand is now communicating with, the Imperial Government on the subject. Whatever happens, F am confident that the people and the Government of Now Zealand will do their duty to the Empire.” (Loud and continued applause.)