Imperial Defence

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 282, 1 May 1914, Page 5

Imperial Defence

AN INSIGHT INTO AUSTRALIA'S IDEALS. I CONFERENCES SHOULD BE MORE FREQUENT. By Cable Press Association—Copyright Received 30, 11.5 p.m. London, April 30. Admiral King-Hall, in an article in the Nineteenth Century, predicts that the Australian navy will be a consolidating rather than a disintegrating force in the Commonwealth's relations with the Empire, provided that the Motherland's statesmen regard the movement with a far-rcacliing vision, looking to future potentialities of the Empire and the do minions. The time was approaching, if it had not come, when the dominions would demand a fuller voice in the MuS«ila of the Empire, especially in naval defence. Imperial, and particularly naval, defence conferences should lie more frequent than hitherto, now that the means of transit are easier and quicker. There ought to be a permanent sub-comlnittee always in session keeping the different Governments in constant mutual touch. A serious drawback to the defence of the Commonwealth lay in the different "railway gauges. He hoped Admiral Hendei'son's programme would be rigidly adhered to, and not become the subject Of contention between political parties, for Australia's future influence depended largely upon the success of Lord Esher's naval policy.