ADMIRAL MATSUMURA.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 July 1916, Page 6

ADMIRAL MATSUMURA.

ADMIRES BRITISH SPIRIT. CANNOT TRUST GERMANY. JAPAN'S PART IN THE WAR. Auckland, July IS. Rear-Admiral T. Masutoura, who is the outstanding figure iu connection with the visit of the Japanese warships, spent a quiet time on the flagship Iwate after his arrival in Auckland yesterday, most of the ceremonials associated with such an occasion as landing in a foreign and friendly port being reserved until this morning. A glimpse or two could be obtained of the admiral on the few visits he made to the deck, and lie presented a striking personality, eminently typical of the profession lie follows. He looks his 50 years of age, and his features indicate the trying ordeals through .which lie has passed in his long service with the Japanese Navy. Asked with regard to Japan helping Russia with munitions, the ad&iral said: "Oh, yes, Japan is a huge arsenal for 'Russia. With plenty of munitions Russia can fight wonderfully. Our Japanese gunners are not helping except a little in instruction." •Speaking of the war generally, Admiral Matsumara remarked: "I think wc are now seeing great battles on land that will hasten the end of this terrible wai. But when will it end? Who can say? It may be this year; but, of course, Ido not know . And then there will be the war for trade. That is quite right, I think. Germany cannot be trusted, and would go on building ships for another war if she got her old trade back." ARMAMENTS AFTER WAR. Asked if he thought there would be any reduction of armaments after the war, the admiral replied: "I do not think that. It will not alter human nature. There will always oe jealousies—no, that is a wicked word—there will always be pride, national pride, and honor to 'be maintained. This is a war of honor against dishonor, and it is because Japan prides herself upon her honor that she is taking part in it. Honorable nations must always be prepared to fight dishonorable nations. When honor is menaced by dishonor, men must fight. So Japan builds her navy, and other nations build theirs."