DREADNOUGHTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 478, 10 April 1909, Page 7

DREADNOUGHTS.

Sir,—Tho offer of a Dreadnought, and a second one if needed, is an action on tho part of tho Cabinet winch rightly receives general approval. Beyond a doubt our contribution towards tho Navy's upkeep is entirely too small for the benefits we derive Tho fact of the Cabinot of this Dominion in coming forward with substantial offers of assistance is proof positive at least they recognise wo hnvo not contributed our proper share. The action of tho Cabinet in coming forward at this critical tinio will undoubtedly moot with general approval. It's a very doubtful argument to say wo could placo ourselves in a position to sucpcssfully deal'with an invasion, without tho aid of England's battleships. To assort that in the event of tho Mother; Country being involved would moan tho withdrawal of tho entiro squadron from theso parts is incorrect. I certainly agreo with your correspondent (R. Tuno) that every adult capablo of doing so should be compulsorily trained to tako up arms in defence of his country, but as far as seeking export knowledge and ' training for such purpose, I think ho (R. Tuno) will admit that it would i be advisablo to havo advisers who aro acquainted with modem methods of defence, other than tho ' gentleman ho named, who has not bear in-activo commission for moro than 40 years; recognising at tho samo time tho gentleman referred to lias borno arms honourably for tho defence of the country of his adoption.—l. am, etc., T. B. GODDARD. Wadestown, March 29, 1909.