Defence of Colonial Ports.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 224, 15 October 1887, Page 1

Defence of Colonial Ports.

The Earl of Carnarvon, in writing to the " Times " on the defence of the commercial ports and coaling stations of the British Empire, stated-that another year had gone by and little progress was reported i*elative to the defence of our ports and coaling stations. Nothing, he said, had been done abroad, and we move as if we had no heart in the work. After commenting on the defenceless state of the home. jDorts, Lord Carnarvon says: "With regard to the many Imperial coaling "stations, divisions of the expense have been Agreed to, the local community undertaking" to erect the works, and the ' Imperial Government engaging to supply the armament. These have performed their part of "the contract, and wo have left our share unperformed either wholly or in part. The important static n3 of Hongkong, Singapore, and Mauritius remain unfortified for the lack of the armament wo engaged to provide. This state of things was due to our endless committees that too often decide nothing, or ' to the want of individual responsibility and the absence of any combination of administrative knowledge and authority, and is productive of delay,, errors, waste, and danger. Meanwhile, ' in contrast to these sorry shifts, two at least of ,our great colonies across the seas are taking a .truer measure of public duties and requirements, and have set us an example which may fill us with admiration or with shame according as wo think of them or of ourselves. Without aid from us, they have acted manfully. In Victoria and New South Wales a navy has been created, and first-class works have been built, and armament of the newest type has been mounted, while in Australia a total 'sura of no less than^£s.ooo,ooo has been spent on defence." , In a, few weeks from the time of writing Lord Carnarvon hopes to see " the result of these wise and patriotic exertions, and on the eve of leaving litaglaud he can not refrain from urging upon the Government th6,vast importance of this question and the deep unwisdom of delay.

She was admiring a big Newfoundland at the dog show, and, throwing her arras aronnd his neck, said; "You dear old fellow, I love you !" A ybuth who heard her remarked : " How I wish I was a dog." The answer came from the same sweet' lips ; " Never mind, dear j you'll grow."