THE DREADNOUGHT OFFERS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3210, 9 June 1909, Page 5

THE DREADNOUGHT OFFERS.

PRESS COMMENTS. United Press [Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Received June 8, 9.25 p.m. LONDON, June 8. The "Manchester Guardian" characterises the substance of Lord Rosebery's recent speech as hollow and unreal, while the effect would be inflammatory. The paper continues:— "Mr Deakin's offer is [ gratifying evidence of the sentiment of unity, but if the choice is between an Australian Dreadnought serving in the North Sea and an equivalent value for service in Australian waters we prefer the second alternative. If Australia contributes towards the defence of I the North Sea she binds us to an equivalent contribution for her defence in the moment of danger." The "Daily News" says that sooner or later such offeis as the Australian must be reduced to a system. If the colonies share the" burden of defence they muse possess the'right to influence its policy. The "Glasgow Herald" says that the Empire can no longer afford to treat Imperial defence as a matter of purely Britannic csncern. Optimism is encouraged by the promptitude with which Mr Deakin reversed the policy of his predecessor in Australia.