THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 174, 26 August 1909, Page 2

THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

MAINTAINING ENGLAND'S NAVAL SL'PUEMAOV. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyriga. St. John's, August 24. »Sir Edward Morris img returned to Newfoundland. He utates that tile JMence Uonfurencc in the most effeelive .step taken in our day to preserve Hie world'* peace by maintaining England as ini*tre«j» of the sea. Such a conference was impoasible three years ago. lit was possible now I because it was spontaneous, and was suecesuful because it was voluntary. During th t » conference there was not

a discordant note. There was uilly a dilli'ieucc of opinion regarding tli« methods to be udoptcd. Tlie prevailing sentiment was ii desire on the part of the overseas dominions to contribute to the maintenance of the Empire. i'liey do not want their Jives, their trade, and their liberty any longer to be protected by the British "tar" and soldieir without) to the maintenance of both and sharing the work of both, Till: TIMES AND SEL/MIELIAXCE. London, August 24. Tlie Times declares that Australia's strong initiative in both military and nuval defence matters is a source of tip profoundest satisfaction to all Britishers who Jook to the speediest elaboration by each dominion of a self reliant svstem capable of co-operation with the Uritish forces. While the relations of the Federal and State (iovermnents are no concern of ours we must welcome most cordially the growth of co-opera-tion between them as tiic surest means of increasing our wealth and strength. CANADA'S NEW NAVY. THE PROBABLE PROGRAMME. Received 23, 10 p.m. 1/mdon, August 237 The London Daily Mail's Ottawa correspondent reports that the initial Canadian naval programme is expected to include four, or live cruisers, six to"pnloii'n and six submarines, requiring tin; payment of .£IIOO,OOO yearly in interest. The construction of shipyards '' on tlie Atlantic and Pacific coasts wai J al-o to be provided for.