GIFT BATTLESHIPS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 464, 24 March 1909, Page 9

GIFT BATTLESHIPS.

A REPLY FROM HOME. '"GENEROUS AND, SPLENDID OFFER." .HIGHEST APPRECIATION. , His. Excellency the Governor (Lord Plunket) has informed the Prime Minister that no* has reooivod the following cablegram, dated March 22, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: — ' "i should hasten to assure your Prime Minister that his message has been received by mo with the highest appreciation of the gonerous and spontaneous offer mado on behalf of New Zealand. It will ba at once laid before his Majesty's Government." NEW ZEALAND'S LOYALTY. SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR. (BY TSttOBAIM— ASSOCIATION.) Clsbome, March 23.. Replying to an address presented" to him ttt-Tuparoa, his _ Excellency the Governor said it would be an insult' for him to talk about loyalty after baring lived for four years amongst, them. Many t young men from New Zealand had fought for the King. Sir Joseph Ward had cabled to the Imperiar Government offering a first-class battleship, costing one million-and a quarter pounds. New Zealand's loyal offer would be talked oF.all over the world. (Cheers.) He took this opportunity of informing them of that offer, and as a representative of tho King hei spoke of their loyalty. ; Ho knew they would .all stick together to support tho Empire. He referred to New Zealand's loynltv in being .the first to offer assistance » the Boer 'War. , ' ~ FURTHER STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. "WHAT OUR'OFFER'IS: WHY WE •'- ■:■•- , MADE IT."

Sir Joseph Ward received yesterday, n cable from the editor of the "Standard" /London), who desired a special message ' from the Premier on the. subject of New Zealand's offer. He replied as follows :— ..'■■' "You ask me what our offer is, and why we made it.\ Wβ'offe- .the Mother- • land, without condition, the free gift as "soon a>). it can be built ..in British . yards, o f a first-class battleship. . The tvpe is left entirely to the Homo author- • . ities..' Should later events, show any . need for it, New Zealand , will: offer again a second'' warship of the same class. And tho reason is this: Wβ distant sons dcsjro to stand in any peril Reside tho Lion Mother of our race; and : to the utmost of our resources prove to her. and to iho world how dear to us is Britain's riamo and. greatness. Wβ recosniso, that Britain's acknow-. ledged supremacy. ', of the seas goea for ; the maintenance of peace, and that any weakness, either in tho Home Land or } abrdad, makes what ought, to be a. dominant position a dangerous one. Sacrifices must be made to show competitive nations that, though' separated by . eeas,-we are in reality one for the pre- {' servation of our Empire's greatness." , MR. MASSEY INTERVIEWED. THE CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION. , . (bv TKUaiiAi-ji--i , n>:s3 association.) ■■■'■■'-.. ' Auckland, March 23. The Leader of. .the Opposition • (Mr. W. F. jWassey) was- interviewed this evening regarding the Government's offer: of a battleship to' the Imperial Government: •:• He said :-r----"When speaking.:yesterday -regarding 'the Nival Estimates,:! said-.that New Zealanders ~ acd.tho. Now' Zealand ■Parlfairient'faould do their duty, along with the people of-tho other coloniesvin--assisting to maintain-tho supremacy of.tho.■British Navy. , ?. <1 did- nofr-then , know of the decision of Cabinet-to offer a battleship, and ■ in. fact had- not thought Cabinot. would have taken such ( an important step without consulting Parliament. lam an Imperialist- to, my finger tips, and consider that if.occasion rpquiros we should join in the defence of tho Empire to the last shilling andthe last men. That being so I cordially agree with the idea of offering all the prac- ' tical assistance and -moral support possible, if., such bo required by the Imperial Government. Our very existence depends upon tho absolute supremacy.of tho British Navy, and thai snpromacy is the only guarantee of the peaco ot\ t he world." , Mr.' Massoy,was then asked if, as Leader of, the r Opposition, ho thought the proper course had been taken, by. Cabinet in- acting without consulting Parliament. ■Hβ replied that the.late Mr. Seddon was supposed to be somewhat autocratic, but in connection with important matters such as this, Parliament, or , its members, were always.'consulted by Mr. Seddon. .The- action of ■: Cabinet had l _ placed a. considerable section of the com- ' munity and many members of Parliament in afalso position, and he (Mr. Massey) thought it his duty to point out that Parliament controlled expenditure. That was. tho right, duty, and prjvilego of Parliament, and, :is a , representative of tho pooplo, he objected ■ to the functions qf Parliament heing usurped by' tho Cabinet, for those f mictions were things to be very jealously guarded. If. the occasion required .it, .Parliament should have been summoned, and, after proper 'consideration, -Parliament would have done the right thing; but .Parliament., had been ignored. Admitting that there was necessity lor prompt :action,_nnd having regard to the fact that the prestige'; of the Dominion would be enhanced, ami that moral effect would bo, greater, through. aii immediate stop, the least that might have been done, although L'i lD . fc tno constitutional., course, was lor iu?T r ' mo 3[inister . to consult, members of the House by. a ' circular' telegram,, as 'Mr. Seddon on more than one. occasion did. The increased naval subsidy, £100,000 per annum ln i? ki*9H Id P a - y . tho interest on tho cost of a ■ battleship each year. That proposal was agreed unanimously by Parliament, and if more had been asked-in a proper way and at tbe same timeTeason was shown more would nave been forthcoming

PRESS OPINIONS,

. AUCKLAND "STAR." . (BY TEUSGBAPH-SPZCUI, COttRESPONDENT.) nn. V .',,. ,- in -AuoWand, March 23. .The Auckland ," Star," in an editorial to- . night, saye:-Sir Jot«ph Ward should bo very well satisfied with the reception that iiae greeted the bold and patriotic sten he has taken to assert our loyalty to England and<our readiness to aid her in bearing the burden of empire. Public opinion throughout the. country, speaking through our leading politicians and public bodies and journals has emphatically endorsed the Premier's action in offering a first-class battleship as Now Zealand's contribution toward the naval defence fund, and we have no doubt that Parliament, when the question comes before it, will promptly approve tho. course that Sir Joseph has taken. It is easy to object that in a matter of' such serious importance the House should have been summoned to discuss tho whole situation, but in such an emergency the moral effect produced by the. offer that tho Premier/has made would be entirely lost by delay, and where the safety of England and tho Empire is concerned wo need not hesitate too long over fine points of constitutional etiquette. In some quarters there seems to be a sort of vague alarm over the amount of the liability the Premier has assumed, but the money required for the purpose wLlt certainly be raised on very favourable terms under Imperial guarantee, and it will mean at the outside an addition of £50,000 or £60,000 a year to our nrtyal subsidy. This, we admit, is a heavy. increase in our annual outlay, but we must remember that New Zealand has so far had tho benefit of England's naval expenditure on exceedingly easy terms, unci that our national existence depem's absolutely on the maintenance of England's ifleet. Taking'everything into 'Recount, we consider that Sir Joseph Ward and his w>Hoa£iios have followed a vriso,. patriotic, ond sratesmanlike policy by anticipating England's requirements, and by spontaneously offering our kinsfolk at Home and the world at laiye this impressive assur-

ance that wo are prepared to stand by the. Old Country to the utmost of our resources in her hour of need.

DTJNEDIN "STAR." . (11l TIUSOBAra.— BriCIAL CSRRBSPOKDEN-μ Duncdin, March 23. The Dunedin " Star," referring to tho battleship proposal, says:—ln such a case tho Governmont, after.full discussion inCabinet, are right in assuming the responsibility of immediate action, trusting to tho eventual ratification of their policy by Parliament and the country. There are times when constitutional rules should not b« pressed with podaoitic insistence, and when the Ministry of tho day, who enjoy tho confidence of tho country on broad lines, must bo trusted with the exercise of exceptional powers. Of course, they risk the peril attaching to the misuse of such powers, or to the misreading of Parliamentary and public opinion, but wo are absolutely convinced that Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues havo mado no mistake in tho present instance.

VIEWS OF MEMBERS. MR. E. NEWMAN. "When it comes to a question of defence of the Empire," says Mr. E. Newman, M.P., "party feeling disappears, and presuming that tho Government havo such information as will justify their action to Parliament, I am in complete sympathy with Sir Joseph Ward's action. There can be no doubt that the nows of Now Zealand's offer will be received with enthusiasm throughout the Empire, and especially the Navy: Great as the money value of the gift is, it is the moral effect on other nations that is most important. Our possible enemies of tho future will learn that when you touch the Old Lion the cubs show their teeth. I hope now that tho Government have recognised tho importance of defence, and that they should organise our New Zealand defences better, and in this they would havo tho support of all parties." ■MR. A. E. GLOVER. for TELEORAPn—rBES3 ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, March 23. Mr. A. E. Glover, M.P., when interviewed to-day on New Zealand's offer of & Dreadnought, said: I feel more in favour of increasing our annual subsidy to the Navy than "presenting a battleship. • I also think that the Prime Minister should havo consulted tho peoplo through their representatives boforo taking this step.

MR.C. H. POOLE. CB* TELDOIti I'll—rllUSS ASSOCIATION.) ' '.<■■' Auckland, March 23. Mr. C. H. Poole, M.P., said: The decision of the ■ Government, respecting tho gift cf. a Dreadnought to the British Navy cameras a surprise to mo. As it takes about two yoars to build a Dreadnought, and about two hours to consult members of Parliament, I consider that the Cabinet would have been woll advised had they referred this matter for endorsement to the representatives of the poople. It seems'to mo an anomaly, to talk about, making a gift of ono or two _ battleships to the British Government, while I do not think wo have at the present tinie 10.000 stand of modern arms in the Dominion tor the defence of the land in which we live. .' Mil. MACDONALD. ' , (BT TELEfIBAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) ,' Cißborne, March 23. Mr. Macdonald, M.P., heartily, approves of the Government's offer. Tho Dominion, he said, had not contributed anything like its full proportion towards the maintenance of the I Navy, considering it was, so essential to 'the protection of our commerce'.-The nest feature of the- offer" was tho manner in which the Government had risen to tho occasion. It must bo clear to all thinking' persons that any steps taken in ascertaining the views of- representatives,- besides' causing delay; woifld7not liaVo , ']ielpe'd'a'b.it! , Premier, -in■-taking •the.Wespohsibilitv, has shown stctesiiianiffip? 1 !' 1 - ™" , »»!«.'"""■«?'■■

... • , q , HON.;, J. B. CATALAN. -... ■ " (it •TELEGIIVfUt-SPKCIAI, COIIIIKSI'ONmWT.) ".'■ , , ;J v Dunodin, March 23. The Hon. J. B. Callan, M.L.C., says:— I approve of 'the Government's action.' No doubt, expenditure should not* bo' incurred by a Government without tho consent of Parliament, except under very exceptional circumstances; but this is an exceptional circumstance, beca-use the promptness with which the offer ha 6 been mado will carry great moral weight. The Government, I think, ere quite safe in tho knowledge that their action will be backed up by the great bulk of the people of this Dominion. ; : . \ '' HON. J. R. SINCLAIR, V ; ' y (PT TELIGUAPn. —Sr-KCIAI CORMSPONDENT.) ~ . ; Dunodin, March 23'. The Hon. J. R. Sinclair, M.L.C., said:— I warmly approve of the offer made by the Prime Minister on behalf of. this part of the Empire. It cannot be expected that full disclosures should bo made at this juncture of all information in the possession of the Minister. The intense feeling aroused in England by recent Parliamentary disclosures should be enough for us meantime. It is clear that our country has been deceived as to tho activities of our rival, as it is unthinkable that our loaders would havo cried "Peace, peace" had they known at what speed Germany's programme was being carried out. I believe the Prime Minister has rightly gauged the views of citizens of this part of the Empire. There is little use for laying stress upon the desire for extending the sentiment of Empire if •we are not prepared with offers of substantial' assistance in its time of need. MR. J. VIGOR BROWN. (BY THLEGIUI'H—PHE3S ASSOCIATION.) ' " Napier, March 23. Mr. J. Vigor Brown, M.P., unreservedly approves the Cabinet's action, and has telegraphed tho Premier congratulating him on doing the. right.thing in the right way, and at the right time. . ;

MR. MALCOLM. \ Cot TBtEGKXrn—miss? association.) Duneclln, March 23. Mr. Malcolm,-.M.P., heartily approves of Sir Joseph -Ward's action. He wishes it had been possible to consult Parliament, but the truth that "he gives twice who givos quickly" certainly held good now. New Zealand's support would undoubtedly strengthen British statesmen in making any representations they think necessary. MR. BUICK. rut instEnßApn— ritEss associatmn.) ■; ■ Palmerston North, March 23. Interviewed by a Manawatu "Times" reporter regarding the offer of Dreadnoughts to the Homo Government, Mr. Buick said ho would like to know more of the circumstances prompting the offer, but on the facts bofore the public he did not think the Government justified in its precipitation. The action was probably a step in tho right direction, but the Government should have consulted Parliament, and there' was no hurry till Parliament met in the ordinary course. OTHER OPINIONS. THE REV. J. HOBBS. (nr TF.r.r.OßArii-srnciAL cokkesi-ondent.) Hasting 3, March 23. rhe Rov. J. Ffobbs says: New Zealand's offer, standing alone, would not have any real effect on Germany's action, but it would inspire England's oversea dominions with a spirit of emulation resulting in somo ton first-olass battleships being placed at Britain's disposal, and this united stand of the entire race must surely make-a wholesome impression on Germany's policy of war. In reply to a further question tho rev. gentleman said that it was not impossible that the war scare'had its source in high commercial circles for the purposo of exploiting tho passions of tho people for their own ends, hut as far as ho was concerned, if the scare woke tho people to their unpreparedness for war, ha did not care for what purposes it waa created, becaueo it tended towards tho aafeguarding of the British Emiira.

SIR JAMES MILLS. Ist TKt.suiurn.—srxciAi. ciuiiiiuirnsniiNT.l Duncdin, March 23. Sir James Mills says: I entirely sympathise- with the Government in their ofter. Their action will ho nil the more appreciated on account of its spontaneous character. There can be no doubt that a groat emergency has arisen, and, from self-interest alono it is necessary that tho supremacy of Britain in English waters should ho plncerl beyond doubt. Without such assur-ance-tho Dominion would bo at the mercy of a hostilo Power. I feel, therefore, that tho great majority of tho people in New Zealand will support the Prime Minister in tho step bo has taken, and that this practical niter of sympathy and help from tho Dominions across tho seas will bo of the highest value in its effect on English public opinion, and ■will also have a great mor.il effect abroad. SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL, (ox TELEonxrii—erECun cobuespondent.) ' Hastings, March 23. Speaking to a "Daily Telegraph" reporter regarding tho presentation of a first-class battleship to'the Mother Country by this Dominion, Sir William Russoll said tho action will no doubt exorcise a stimulating effect on tho Imperial sentiment binding tho Empiro, but ho considers that wo are inclined to over-estimate its effect on Gorman policy Mid the attitude of the Continent genorally. That it will influonco European policy to an extent ho has no doubt, but the impression will not bo as profound as we calculate at this end. BISHOP NELIGAN. (ur TKhsamrH—i-iiess association.) Auckland, March 23; Tho Anglican Bishop of Auckland (Dr. Noligan),.on being interviewed, said: I think it is splendid the way Now Zealand has risen to her Imperial duty in the offer 'of this battleship. I should caution tho public against tho phraso used in cable messages about "tremendous excitement in London," if tho phraso bo correct. _ Probably tho crisis is not as serious as might bo imaginable, because London does not get tremondously excited over anything. If tho position ia really grave London and England generally would be calm. . >i BISHOP LENIHAN. CO* TBLMIIAJJU—I'UKSS ASSCCIATIOtf.I Auckland, March 23. , Bishop Lenihan declined to express any opinion, holding that tho matter was outsido of his province.

HON; F, MITCHELSON. (bv telegraph—press association.) Auckland, March 23. When asked for his opinion on New Zenland's offer, the Hon. E. Mitchelson said: The proposition of the Prime Minister to provide funds to build one or more Dreadnoughts is ono that will.probably commond itself to a considerable majority of the people, within tho Dominion. At the same time the cost, involving such a largo sum of money, should have first been either brought before Parliament or tho opinion of members of Parliament obtained, as all the expenditure must naturally come before Parliament, and it would not be pleasant if the House refused to ratify the proposal. This risk could easily have- been avoided if a confidential memo, had been sent to each member before making tho matter public. Personally, I would have preferred increasing the naval subsidy to £150,000, or'even £200,000 a year, rather than pay such a large ram as £3,000,000't0 £4,000,000, which tho offer involves. ■'■•■• '

'. FEILDING BOROUGH COUNCIL. (DI TELEGRAPH—PRE3S ASSOCIATION.) : ; ;'.' Felldlng, March 23. A special meeting of the Foilding Borough Council was called yesterday afternoon to discuss tho Government's offer of battleships to tho British Government. On the motion of. Councillors Atkinson and Cobbe, the■'following unaniiriously:—That council 'strongly approves tho action of, the Government in offering to provide- the cost of a warship to tho British Navy. '..The council..also decided to call's, public meeting to discuss the advisability of introducing some form of compulsory military training. . : / . AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE. (BY TEI.EOItAPH—rItKSS ASSOCIATION.) ; r Auckland, March 23. . The Auckland Stock Exchange passed a resolution congratulating Sir Joseph Ward on taking tho initiative in offering to provide funds, for a battleship, thereby scttino; a noble- example to the British colonies. The members present expressed unanimous approval of the Prime Minister's action, throe hearty'cheers, being given by way of. emphasis. . ■ '...-.■...'. .... , MAYOR OF INVEaCARGILL: - "'-. ' . (BY TELEGRAPH—PIIESS ASSOCIATION.) InveVoarglll, March 23. 'The Mayor (Mr. Scandrott) said tersely:' "Thero are times when rhoso in authority must act without authority.' The Prime Minister and Ministry as a wholo should anticipate'the judgment of the country in any great crisis. I think the action of the Government should bo supported by Parliament and people." PRESIDENT OF AUCKLAND LIBERAL FEDERATION. (DT TELIGKAI'U—NtKSS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, March 23. Mr. P. J. Norheney, president of the Auckland Liberal and Labour Federation, speaking on tho naval question to-day,' said that ho could not speak on behalf of that body, but that personally ho was satisfied that whilst wo should bo prepared to give a substantial sum towards tho support of the British Navy, and even increase it if it was insufficient, to present England with a battleship was unnecessary. In New Zealand we were prepared to sacrifice men and monoy for tho Homeland in time of troublo, and every man and woman in the Dominion must agree that we had a perfect right to join the Mother Country in anything wherein the homes and hearths "of'the masses" wero at j stake. "Still," said Mr. Nerheney, "I con- ' sider that England is not short of money. On the contrary, she ft wealthy, and to give her a battleship is too much like rubbing greaso into a fat pig. If we can afford to spend the money that it will cost to present I a battleship to England when she is not asking for it, that money would be better exI*ndetf in developing the resources of this country, which is badly in need of development."

THE NAVY LEAGUE. CBI TBIEOBAPH— H'.RSS t.IiSOCIATION.I Chrlstchurch, March 23. Tho committee of the Canterbury brancli of tho Navy League has decided to express their hearty concurrence in, and full endorsement of, the Prniio Minister in offering to supply one Dreadnought, or, if necessary, two, to the British Government. ■ • _ Invercargill, March 23. Mr.. T. D. Pearce, president of tho Southland branch of tho Navy League, said he had not been prepared to .hear that thore was a crisis to warrant the sudden expenditure by New Zealand of ono and a half to two millions. Ho could only conclude that such an unprecedented and unconstitutional act as that of voting nearly two millions without consulting the people's representatives, a stop tantamount, to raising ii loan and incurring; an annual charm of £60,000 to £70,000 in interest, was warranted by the situation. Nothing 'else oonld justify the action of Cabinet. Tho'Southland branch of tho Loaguo always advocated a larger subsidy, so ho thought they would support the, Premier. Mr. Pearco favours the institution of a "naval tax," so as to educate tho people to a sense of their responsibilities. "DELIRIOUS FARCE." I A LABOUR OPINION. (11l TELEGItAFII—SI'KCIAt. rtlllll IW'INnnKT ) Christchiiroh, March 23 : Mr. A. D. Hnrt, president of the Trades and Laboui* Council, told n reporter this morning that ho considered that the Cabinet'* offer of a Imttlcnhip to England wna nothing short of a delirious farce, ind. re-,

flooled no credit on the Government. Sir Joseph Ward hud of late been taking particular pains to voice the urgent necessity of retrenchment, - and had indeed ■ practically demonstrated his intentions in this direction by starting with tho workers, as all casual hands on tho railways were, being dispensed with, let in the face of this there came tho announcement, like "a bolt from the blue," Hint t-lsis callow colony was to provide its portly mother with a protection which it could not afford to pay for. There was no doubt, Mr. Mart added, that now that monoy was tight, the industries struggling, and tho" labour market congested, tho burden of providing tho money to pay for this Dreadnought would tall leanest on tho workers. Sir Joseph Ward had, he thought, been carried away by tho suggestion that Australia was considering ollenng a battleship, and while still intoxicated with jingoism ho hud induced tho Übinotto voto practically two millions of money that would go right out of the cotintrj, wluJo reproductive works throughout tho Dominion worn languishing for want of support. Had the monoy been used in developing tho natural resources of the country, starting no.v industries, and prosecuting with vigour tho present public works, tho country would have been better served by its exocutivo officers. Mr. Hart said the fact of tho Cabinet taking on this gigantic piece of follv, and still further over-burdening tho debt of tho Dominion witlnut tho sanction of Parliament, was not only unconstitutional, but was a slight on ..n intelligent community. Jt was opposed to every principlo of represontativo government, and tho masses would bitterly resent this impetuous piece of solfglorihcation on tho part of the Premier. In its wild delirium tho Cabinet had displayed a suicidal tendency which would alienate tho sympathy of tho working men throughout tho country. The action of the Government had, Air. Hart continued, opened up a very grave danger-for Now Zealand, because people oversea would at onco conclude that if this small country is able to mako such an offer it must hav'j marvellous resources, a7id this would attract an overplus of immigrants from all parts of the Empire to still further aggravate the strained social conditions obtaining here. Mr. Hart concluded by saying that tho Government's action ha<! practically notiling to justify it, while this country was languishing and seriously handicapped for tho want of capital to assist in its development. He had no doubt that £2,000,000 would bo far better spent in building a canal for Canterbury than providing a Dreadnought during a time of scare. ,

THE CONSUL FOR CERMANY. DOES NOT BELIEVE IN-"SCARES." , (by TKLEGUApn—raEsa association,} , r Auckland, March 23. Mr. Carl.Socgner,'Consul for Gormany in rsow Zealand, was interviewed this evening regarding itho offer made by the Government to provide a battleship. ""I know nothing of battleships," ho said. "They are not in my line." Pressed to state his views on tho general subject of naval supremacy ■in tho light of recent developments at Home, tho German Consul said: "I many 'scares'—Japaneso, Russian, Dutch, Boerall kinds of scares —and I have got used to thorn. I do not believe," Mr. Scegner went on, "that thero will bo a war between German' and England in our time."

"And what view do you take of tho suggestion that Germany has designs in connection wflh the Pacific?" Mr. Scegner was asked.

"Dr. Irmer, tho German Consul-General in Australia," ho replied, "has already stated that tho spheres influence in the Pacific as between Germany and Great Britain wero fixed long ago." Speaking further, Mr. Seegner expressed the opinion that tho press of both countries was a great deal to blame for _ fermenting such "scares" as at present existed. "In short," ho added, "tho whole thing is a fuss about nothing." More he would not say, dismissing an inquiry as to his opinion of tho action of Cabinet in offering a battleship to tho Old Country, with the remark to tho effect that that was a private matter.

MORE CONGRATULATIONS. TELEGRAMS TO THE PRIME MINISTER. Many more telegrams of congratulation were received by the Prime Minister yesterday. A few of the more interesting ones and extracts from some of the others aro given below: — . i "Dreadnought well done. Delighted. Pay my share." "Through your promptitudo in realising and acting upon public sentiment concerning a momentous issue, Now Zealand may bo credited with the greatest act performed by any British dependency ever since tho foundation of tho Empire. . . . Yours' is a master stroke in tho Imperial interests, and will do much to dissipate British apathy towards Britain's children and ignorance as to their resources." "Why not suggest purchase Brazilian battleship?" "The very thing." "Good old Seddon first in Boor war. You first in naval assistance". "Right thing at right moment. . . . Britons never will bo slaves." "The Dominion, Australia, and Canada should find funds for at least 20 ships in present crisis." Sir James Mills telegraphs:—"Congratulate you on prompt offer of assistance to ensure the security of Now Zealand. The naval supremacy of Britain in English waters must bo absolutely ensured." A worker writes: —"Since knowing your decision I have made it my business to obtain the feeling of a large number of workers, and I can assure.you that as a body they endorse your action." "You, Cabinet, and tho Dominion hnvo covered themselves with glory in helping tho Mother Country at this crisis. 'Facta non verba' is appropriate just now. God bless you." "Congratulations in interest of the weak, the oppressed, tho uncivilised. England must not lose her prestige." "You will have the support of the- country, or, at least, any that is north having." "Dominion approves, Empire applauds. Parliament, after expressing disapnoiilttnciit iit lorb of glory mid'honour, will *p> proye .iqui Jjrorapt action."

"llopo day not far distant when New Zealand ran'offer new as well." "Tim boldest, mid best of Hid ninny good things yo« biivo doiio for New Zealand. It stirs diio'h Mood, and nrlrln 11 cubit to one's stature."

"Next hofision, ns ft further support, .1 will advocate compulsory triining.' (Tliib is from a member of Parliament.) "Trust ovwynno will contribute ono day's income towards cost," "If subscription started, i;lail (o give £50." "Done riijlit and needful thing in right and needful way." 'Your warf,!np offer splendid. ProuJ travelling under British !\n«." "flivo solidity to your action by nailing Parliament toqVthev to confirm same ».r.ii inaugiiralo univjrs.it service for national do fence in New Zealand, our answer to nil raced, white or yellow.' •■ "Yachtsmen in Otago ho.irtily app;ovo of your schemo of presenting a battleship from the Dominion." Approving telegrams have also been rccoivod from tho Mayors of Dunediii, Oamnru, Ilokitika, and Parncll, nnd froin the Auckland City Bchools Committee, Jlirainnr I'.orough Cou'ncil,i members of tho Otago Education Board visiting Owaka, Waiapu County Council, nnd a number of others. THE SUPPLY OF NICKEL. Among thoso who take a warm interest in Imperial affairs is Mr. Davies, of Knrori, who recalls an incident in which ho was concerned many years ago. It referred to tho available output of nickel, tho metal usod for hardening cannon steel. This inotal, says Mr. Davies, is only found in two places in tho world, at Sudbury, in Canada, and at Noumea (Now Caledonia). In view of tho importance of tho British Government always being in a position to get supplies, and witl\ tho possibility cf making it more difficult For other nations ,to command the nickel required for the process !of cannon and armour plato making. Mr. Davies wroto Home to the First Lord of the Admiralty, suggesting that steps should be taken by tho Imperial authorities to obtain pre-emptive right over the output of the Sudbury mines, so that case of any serious threat on the part of any other nation, a prohibitive tariff could bo imposed. In duo course of timo tho Wcllingtouian received a formal reply to the effect that tho Admiralty could. afford Mr. Davics no information on the matter, which fiomewhat quaint reply to a ln'oro suggestion is still in tho Karori resident's possession. Mr. Davies maintains that had his thought been acted upon i. position such as has arisen would have been impossible, and further states that Gormany obtains her supplies of nickel from the Sudbury mines (Canada) located in British soil. ' ANTI-GERMAN COODS LEACUE. (HI TELEURAM—PEKSS ASSOCIATION.) ' Rcsfton, March 23. An Anti-German Goods League is being talked of in Eeefton.. < ' -. PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION SUCCESTED. We have received several, communications urging that tho sum, or a portion of it, required to pay for tho battleship to ■I o presented by New Zealand to the British Government, should bo raised by public subscription. Ono correspondent writes: "1 tvould suggest that it is quite feasible, and

Oringi, .....v.. js w bo.the scene- of the military operations of the Wellington district troopa during the forthcoming Easter holidays; is situated near tho railway line, twelve miles beyond Woodville. Tho exact "location of tho camp is on the banks of the Oruakeretaki Stream, a tributary of tho Manawatu River, whero an excellent site has been fixed upon (indicated by a cross on the abovo plan. As shown by the contour lines, the country is hilly, with occasional flats and rolling downs, affording ideal ground for tactical exercises.

a great deal more patriotic, to pay cash for a battleship than to run into debt. Could not sonio scheme be organised whereby New Zealand citizens conld eugago to contribute so much monthly for 11 year or eighteen months,, according to thoir .moans. On these conditions I should bo happy to givo my £5 or so. Our captains of industry and men. of affairs should vie with each other in giving large amounts." The idea is one which, if taken up enthusiastically, might renliso a substantial sum. Tho Navy League, or the National Defence Associa'. tion, or some such body, might givo tho subject attention.