THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 290, 11 June 1909, Page 5

THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

Press Assn— By telegraph— Copyright. LONDON, Yesterday. Mr^Fink (Melbourne/Herald) mov•ed a resolution in -favor of universal training. He said that the Commonwealth's latest offer was not intended to interfere with, the provision of local defence, which should be sub--ordinate to Imperial needs. He believed it was Australia's desire that -the' .nations manhood should be trained so that if emergency arose it could be organised into an efficient ■military, .-unity. ••.-. Mr., Mark Cohen (Dunedin Star) seconded the motion. He said that the colonies spent large sums, in edtication, surely it was rightful to ask some return for that expenditure for the. purposes of defence? After the words of warning from Lord Roberts ;and the statesmen made before that .'Conference, it was useless to take further notice of armchair critics who • dreaded compulsion. He advised that Lord Roberts be -sent out as a missionary of Empire. Several speakers; objected to the resolution as outside the object of the meeting and the resolution was with•dTawn. Mr 1 James O. Fairfax (Sydney Morning Herald) said that if the forces overseas undertook an important share in Imperial defence some steps would be required to give them a share in the guidance of those .forces. Further questions might arise respecting, the share in the decision upon peace or war. Though himself not a militant federationist,thepoints he touched upon ought not to pass unheeded. Lord Roberts said that if the resolution had been pressed he would Tiave supported it because the voluntary,, system had utterly failed, and *• . .modern warfare required good training. : . ' ' - ; •■ •...,.:-.'.■■ The Lord Mayor of London entertained the delegates and a hundred -others at luncheon. .