AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 41, 28 May 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE.

SIR G. H. REID'S VIEWS. LORD KITCHENER'S COMMENTS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received May 27, 10.15 p.m. London, May 26. At an Australasian dinner, Sir G. H. Reid, proposing the health of Lord Kitchener, said that Australia's beginning of a navy and an army might be small, but she felt able to take a larger share in the responsibilities of Empire, with Sailors, soldiers and ships, firstly, for Australia's defence. If danger came, however, whatever ships Canada, Australia and South Africa had, would very soon be in the fighting line of J .V> Empire. Australians wanted to start with the very best military advice, and had obtained it. He hoped that Lord Kitchener had given Australia a start which would enable it to take a high place in the Empire on the vital principle of defence. •Lord Kitchener, replying, said it was very satisfactory to learn that the scheme he had prepared had been endorsed by the Fisher Government, which also endorsed Col. Kirkpatriek's appomtment, thus obtaining the advice of a very capable officer, who would ibe of the utmost value to them. This continuity of policy would enable Australia to successfully solve the problems which give such trouble to other countries. He was also glad to know that New Zealand would adopt the same system. Thus a uniform organisation would be created throughout Australasia. He was confident his scheme would be carried out without serios alterations. He was sure minor obstacles would be overcome without interfering with fundamental principles.