LORD KITCHENER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9684, 7 January 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER.

DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY'S VALUE AS A NAVAL BASE.

United Press Association—Electric Telegraph Copyright. Received January 6, 8.40 a.m. SYDNEY, January 6. 'lhe banquet at the Town Hall, last night, in honour of Lord Kitchener was a brilliant function. The principal speakers were the Minister for Defence (Hon. J. Cook) and Sir George Reid, In his speech Mr Cook said the object of Lord Kitchener's visit was to formulate a scheme of defence to enable Australians to hold the continent for themselves and for the Empire. He paid a compliment to Lord Kitchener's diplomacy, which had prevented as much war as he had successfully undertaken in defence of the Empire. Lord Kitchener, in a brief reply, said he had been struck by Sidney's magnificent harbour, and its value as a naval base in time of war. It was on the Navy that we must rely in the first instance to frustrate the designs of the enemy on isolated portions of territory, and to keep open communication with other parts of the world. "Whatever changes may occur," said the Field-Marshal, "Sydney will always remain a naval base of the first importance; but it is essential that it must be made safe from attack. Complete sscurity is only obtainable by efficient fixed defences, supported by a mobile and efficient land force." It was entirely fortunate, added his Lordship, that the natural features of the country round Sydney would greatly facilitate the steps that had to be taken for effective defence of the harbour.