COLONIAL DEFENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2305, 19 April 1887, Page 2

COLONIAL DEFENCE.

(BY TELIiG it AP H.—CO PYRIG 1IT.) (SI'KOIAL TKLEGUAM.) Loxnox, April 15. A MUtfns;; of the Australasian delegates of thu !!inju'i i;i 1 Conference took place yester«l ■iy at tin', o'lio of the Agent-General of New .South Wales, for the purpose of diseasing (.lie various subjects to be brought before the Conference. The principal question considered was that of defence, with a view to an understanding being arrived at before the sitting of the Conference on Monday next, whet) the question of Imperial defences will be further considered. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that about ten extra warships were required for the defence of the Australian ports, the annual cost of which would be £100,000, England bearing one-half of the expense, the remainder being borne by the colonies in proportion to the population. The Times states that the objections to Admiral Tryon's scheme of colonial defence are almost subversive to common action, and considers that the demand of the colonies for" defences is not unreasonable. The article urges a speedy settlement. A Press Association message says The demand for a deterioration fund for a colonial fleet of warships will probably be abandoned, Victoria agreeing to an equivalent increase in the yearly charge for maintenance.