DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 97, 19 December 1912, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

(Received 9.0 a.m.)

Ottawa, December 18

The Liberal attitude towards the Empire is well expressed by the statement objecting to the centralisation of authority at London. Canada ought to work out her own destiny within the Empire, but along her own lines. The Conservatives replied that Canada was now at the parting of the ways, and must either draw closer to the Empire or drift outside. The debate is likely to continue till the end of January.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. (Received 10 a.rn.) I Sydney, December 19. The ‘Herald,’ commenting on the growing mutual attitude of Australia to New Zealand, says perhaps either the Dominion is beginning to recognise that the difficulties and responsibilities cf its lot are greater than appeared at the first flush of enthusiasm, or perhaps, the darkening clouds of the international situation might prove a lesson similar to Aesop’s fable of the bundle of sticks. At any rate, there appears to be a growing sense that in matters relating to our national integrity, and with it the integrity of the Pacific and the British Empire, our interests are not individual, but identical. In order to further the joint destinies there is no necessity for New Zealand to sacrifice a vestige of her individuality.