DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 222, 7 February 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY. Ey Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 7. 12.2.1 a.m. London. February 15. The Times congratulate* Australia on the rapid headway of the navy she already has in embryo. A new centre with first basis establishments is required for her to build and man her own licet in the Pacitie. The Pacific is not at present a threatened sphere, and there i- time for her to frame her policy in accordance with the desin s of the various Dominions. The Standard pays a tribute to Australia's elfovts. a- evidenced ,by the cruisers Melbourne. Sydney and Australia. Though uiiii- i.:' the ili'ct. intended primarily for .-ell'-! fence, they will also uphold liritain':- . i'uemacy in far-off r-ca.s. The National Service League, in a manifesto to it:- fellow citizens, says that the country is unprepared, and invites attacks. It doe- not propose conscription, but a democratic defence force, based on the universal training of all able-bodied youths, without distinction of das-. No citizen should he compelled to serve abroad, even in war time. Oflicers ought to be promoted from the rank-, for merit alone. Precautions similar to those in Australia and New Zealand should be taken to prevent employers penalising the workers.