NAVAL POLICY

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 50, 30 October 1913, Page 5

NAVAL POLICY

OPINION OF THE PRESS. J«E VORTEX OF ARMAMENTS. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] Presb Absooiation.] •Sydney, October 29. The Telegraph applauds New Zealand's courage and enterprise, but de- * plores on the highest ground that the revenue and the men which could be more profitably applied to internal uevelopment should oe diverted. It blames the Imperial Government. s laissez faire policy for New Zealand's plunge into the vortex of armaments. .Neither Australia nor New Zealand can afford the luxuries of navies in view of the immense liabilities they have to meet in the development of their territories. Both are under the shadow of a mighty fleet giving security against any possible enemy. They may spend the uttermost yet do little to get relatively more security in the Pacific, and dp nothing to cement the strength of the Empire or assist the Motherland's burdens. Small navies are always costly and usuallv inefficient.

STRENCTH AND SELF-RELIANCE.

London, October 29. The Morning Post says that England cannot quarrel with the Antipodes for launching themselves in the Pacific, especially as Britain had failed to keep its pledge to patrol their coasts. The new policy is the right one for the Antipodean dominions, teaching them the realities of life and giving them strength and self-reliance. PART OF A SYSTEM. The Times says that New Zealand's past record is an earnest «of the spirit wherein she addresses herself to her new work. While the creation of I local flotillas cannot completely provide for naval security, it must be an essential part of an adequate system of naval defence. VIEWED FROM CANADA. Ottawa, October 29. The Liberal Press acclaims NewZealand's naval policy, declaring that an opportunity is now given to Canada, Australia and New Zealand to combine in the defence of the Pacific. Sir W.i Laurier's policy of two Canafleets, one for the Atlantic and

the other for the Pacific would enable ti Canada to Unite with ' "the Mother '.Country to defend ! the Atlantic, and I also unite with Australia and • New i "Zealand to'idefend the Pacific. 1 Mr -f'Maasey's of 'subsidies to the Royal Navy is taken as an in- , dication that Canada ought never to begin such a system.

Sir W. an electioneer-

ing speech, declared that the Borden naval policy was conceived in iniquity and mendacity, and ended in discom-

■fort.-•'■'• Ca'nada. was' becoming a nation and thp people ought to be pre- ' pared to relieve England of the neces■sity of defending Canadians/

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

(Received 9.40 a.m.) Sydney, October 30

The Telegraph says the naval defence policy propounded by the New Zealand Government has a suggestion of tentativeness. The question that suggests itself is whether New Zealand can hope to maintain a separate •navy of its own instead of co-oper-ating with Australia. The maintenance of two distinct fleets would involve unnecessary expense in the effort, and i tis doubtful whether New Zealand will find itself any better able in the calculable future to act alone than now; besides, the countries would be close together as well as under one flag. New Zealand as a matter of fact is very much nearer Eastern Australia than Westralia, and Us regarding control New Zealand opinion differs from that which officially prevailed here when the Australian policy was formulated, and differs very commendably in regard to marked preference for one Imperial control, but Australia is not irrevocably pledged in that respect, and if a mutual arrangement were possible otherwise, no doubt it could be brought about, and, the two combine in the defence of the Pacific. THE HICH COMMISSIONER INTERVIEWED. (Received 10.5 a.m.) London, October 29. The Hon. Thomas MacKenzie, interviewed regarding the naval statement. declared that the New Zealand policy would have the effect of impressing the Imperial authorities with the -necessity of meeting the * widely-felt wishes of Britons Overseas for a more effective voice in Imperial affairs. Representation on the Defence Committee was not a final solution, but was a step forward. ALMOST BANKRUPT PRICES AT 4 THE MELBOURNE SALE. The Sale of G. W. Gray's Assigned Stock at the Melbourne is announced to continue only until Tuesday, 21st inst. Not for the past ten years have the public had such an opportunity of securing high grade clothing and mercery at prices averaging 50 per cent, less than ordinary. The price paid for the Stock was 12s 6d in the £, and a little calculation will show that we can afford to sell at lower than original cost. When and where have you had such an opportunity as this ? If you would reduce your cost of living. come to this sale and save at least half on your shirts, ties, hats, clothing, and underwear. Sale at all five Taranaki Stores, New Plymouth, PW-itford, Inglewodd, Hawera, and Eltham. i.