Mr Deakin.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43094, 18 May 1907, Page 2

Mr Deakin.

BPEECH AT QUEEN’S HALL; AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) LONDON, Yesterday. The Hon. Mr Deakin received an immense ovation at H*ll. ; U® ! said Australians were doing their best to fit themselves for any extraordinary emergency, though he believed that while the British Navy remained they could sit secure in their own domain. They had not dwelt on martial pictures, or encouraged military display, bufc felt the time might come to most peaceful of citizens when concession and passivity would become unmanly. Then the force must be applied. T 'ey were doing the best to prepare themselves to discharge the full measure of responsibilities to the country and , King. He explained Australia’s system of cadets and rifle clubs, who were>N doing their utmost to develop individual! responsibility. Earl Milner, who was loudly cheered, .moved a vote of thanks to Mr- Deakin*' whom he complimented in the warmest terms, dwelling on the amazing capacity of work and the immensity or labours during the past few weeks. Sir W. P. Reeves', on behalf .of a number of Sir Joseph Ward’s private friends, presented him with a.hcaasome dressing-case in recognition of kindnesses received during his visit.