FLEET FOR NEW ZEALAND

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 178, 20 August 1909, Page 2

FLEET FOR NEW ZEALAND

CRUISERS INSTEAD OF DREADNOUGHTS. TO FORM PART OF PACIFIC SQUADRON. AN INSPIRED STATEMENT. By Cable.—Press Association.—Oopyrigtil Received 10, 11.55 p.m. London, August 19. Air apparently inspired statement ill connection with the Defence Conference, declares that under an arrangement entered into between Sir Joseph Ward and the Admiralty, the vessels oontriliutad by the Dominion will not be Dreadnoughts but cruisers forming part of the Pacific squadron, and will be employed in New Zealand waters for local defence.

WHAT NEW ZEALAND MAY EXPECT STATEMENT BY HON. MILLAR. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Sunedin, Last Night At a social in his honor to-night, the Hon. Millar made a statement regarding Sir Joseph Ward's home-oomine after the conference with the British naval and military authorities. He .«!4 that no doubt some definite ucheme for the defence of the Empire would be dealt with during the coming session. Those who watched European affairt knew that the struggle of the fntur* would not be a struggle for territory, hut a struggle to retain trade, and unless Britain was prepared to defend her trade she wae going to lose it. Not knowing Sir Jo&ph Warl's proposals he could not make a definite statement, but no doubt there would be a long debate ln< Parliament upon the question of defence. Without doubt the question, of compulsory training would occupy Parliament, and if the country had no deEire for a standing army the people must admit that it was the duty of every adult male to know something atalt how to handle a gun.