IN THE PACIFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 217, 13 March 1914, Page 3

IN THE PACIFIC.

THE QUESTION" OF NAVAL DEFENCE. WHERE THE DOMINIONS STAND. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, March 12. The Herald, in a leader, says: "If the forecast is true that the Canadian navy question cannot be settled by the Government for several years, then the naval conference that Australia and New Zealand deßire to have with the British Government cannot be postponed any longer, and should take place immediately the Home Rule crisis has ceased to claim the attention of Ministers. Canada is at liberty to take time over the decision, but Australia and New Zealand cannot consent to j continue for another three or four years totally in the dark as to what is the Imperial policy in the Pacific. It has been aisumed that we blame Britain for Abandoning the 1909 agreement, but, owing to recent amendments of the German navy law altering the situation in the North Sea, no one blames the Mother Country for abandoning the plan for a Pacific fleet in order to meet urgent needs in Home waters. But the Australian fleet and New Zealand's cruiser were built in the light of the l!)0fl agreement and, after committing ourselves to building a fleet, the light has been taken away. We want it turned up again. If it stands for anything it is for the conviction of Australians and New Zealandcrs that a British Pacific fleet will be necessary in the near future. It is their duty to lay the foundations of that fleet, but obviously they do not wish to provide a nucleus in the dark."