DEFENCE OF EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 36, 13 October 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF EMPIRE.

QUESTION OF conference. COMMONWEALTH CRITICISED. ' I [By Electric ■Telegraph—Copyright] Times—Sydney Sun Special Carles. Loudon, October 7. Opinions arc expressed that it is regrettable that the Coiniuinwealtli Ministry does not recognise that the report that the defence conference has been abandoned is merely a canard manufactured by a small section of the Conservative party Press for the purpose of beating the Liberal Government. Neither the public nor the politicians of either party are the slightest bit interested in a controversy which in the present conditions is futile and aimless. It would bo most regrettable if the Commonwealth Ministry, upon misleading information, should express opinions which may rupture its harmonious relations width the British* Government to the prejudice of Imperial and Australian interests. THE EMPIRE THREATENED. [United Press Association.! London, October 11. The Daily Telegraph, commenting on Mr Cook’s statement concerning the proposed defence conference, says that the dominions are in the dark regarding the navy, and light is fefused them. The Empire is threatened with a development of a most disquieting character,, as the tone of Mr Cook’s statement shows.

The Daily Telegraph contradicts Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s assertion that there is no naval emergency. On the contrary, the situation is becoming worse. Great Britain is, like Atlas, bearing the world on her shoulders, with the British Government to the showing anxiety to respond to Mr Churchill’s urgent call. It is not too late for, Mr Asquith still to see the wisdom of calling a conference. CANADA’S NAVY. A SIGNIFICANT ELECTION. Montreal, October 12. The Conservatives Avon the Chatteauguay election by a small,majority, thus indicating' that the support of Mr Borden’s naval policy is strong in Quebec province. ■« : MEN IN THE MAKING. Ijf, 4 y ' ? ; \ ■ v I, .J . Auckland, October 13. j Mr Amery, a member of the British parliamentary party, said he. saw 20,1)00 cadets marching past Pai-Haraent Hopse in Melbourne. He wished the \yhole of the British Hoirse of Commons had hgen on, the steps to see it. He was immensely impressed by the Duntroon Military College. So long a? New Zealand had no college of its own, there Avas no place in his opinion to Avhich its future officers can be sent Avith greater advantage in the Empire or outside of it. It would be a good ‘thing for the naval force of the Empire if it could draAV its men and material from every part of the Empire and each Dominion be a cenfre of naval strength.