CANADA AND DEFENCE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9544, 16 July 1909, Page 4

CANADA AND DEFENCE.

In Canada the question of naval defence continues to absorb large sharo of public attention. Whatever controversy there may be as to the policy adopted by the Canadian Parliament, there can be no doubt about the absolute loyalty and devotion to the Mother Country which actuate all parties. Canadians are not only willing but eager to bear their share in the naval burden of the Empire. The only question is as to the best means of giving effect to this desire. As against the Government's proposal to create a local squadron, some have taken the view that it would have been better to make a direct contribution to the Imperial navy. Lately, however, less has been heard of this proposal, and there seems to be a growing disposition on the part of the critics to acquiesce in the solution accepted by both parties in the Dominion House of Commons. "The sober, second thought of the Canadian people," remarks the "Toronto Globe," "gives almost unanimous support to the policy adopted by the Government and Parliament of Canada in the matter of Imperial defence. The policy is to strengthen and make effective the defences of Canada, both military and naval, as being the most usefusl contribution to Imperial defence, and the line most consistent with the general policy of Canada. The betterment of the militia forces will now be complemented by the creation and maintenance of a Canadian naval force;"