EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9534, 5 July 1909, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

GIFT FROM ST. VIN.CENT. SMALL, BUT SOUND. United ?ress Association—lly Elootric Telegraph Copyright. ST. VINCENT, July 2. The Legislative Council of St. Vincent has resolved to offer to Britain 1 per cent, of the local revenues towards the Imperial Navy, unfettered by conditions. The Council regrets the smallness of the amount, and declares that it is principally intended as a practical acknowledgement of the gratitude St. Vincent owes to Britain. VOTE FOR NAVAL WORKS. LONDON, June 2. The House of Commons has agreed to the vote for naval works. SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH. Received July 4, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, July 3. The Hon. H. H. Asquith, speaking at a mass meeting at Southport, emphasised the need of Britain securing her command of the sea. Naval strength was the essence of life to the Empire scattered about the globe. Their, security was now exposed not necessarily xo deliberate hostility, but to the neutral development of other nations. During the past few months the Dominions had manifested a consciousness to common interest, and were not only prepared but willing to share the difficulties of the burdens. Hence the coming Imperial Conference will consider the re; lative responsibility of the great self-governing communities.