EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3194, 20 May 1909, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. WAR OFFICE AND ADMIRALTY TO SUBMIT VIEWS. United Press Association— By Klectric Telegraph Copyright. Received May 19, 8.40 a.m. LONDON, May 18. Reuter's Agency states that it is understood that no definite agenda paper of proceedings at the July Conference will be cabled to the colonies, but the War Office and Admiralty will prepare a tist of subjects on which they desire an exchange of views. INVITATIONS ACCEPTED. Pveceived May 19, 815. a.m. LONDON, May 18. Natal and Newfoundland have accepted Invltatiottß to the Imperial Defend Conference.

"A PAPER SuBbTITUTE;" BRITAIN'S ARMY. A STRIKING SPEECH. Received May 19, 11.55 pm.. LONDON, May 19. In the House of Lords the Duke of Bedford's motion in favour of the inquiry into the condition of the Special Reserve, which, he contended, was merely a paper substitute for the late militia, was carried by 73 to 22. Lord Roberts, in a striking speech, warned the Government and countryof the danger corning nearer every day. Great numbers alone, if untrained, would be . a weakness. "It will trouble the wolf little how many shsep there will be," said Lord Roberta. "Wat will not be a sham, but yur army is a sham. There is only one remedy; the Government should take the country into its confidence aud rouse it to the reality of the Banger."