DEFENCE QUESTIONS. POSITION OF NEW SOUTH WALES STRATEGICALLY WEAK.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19, 24 January 1911, Page 7

DEFENCE QUESTIONS. POSITION OF NEW SOUTH WALES STRATEGICALLY WEAK.

RAILWAY LINE LIABLE TO ATTACK. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. (Received January 24, 8.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Major-General Hoad, before the Decentralisation Commission, declared that the position of New South Wales disclosed strategical weakness, as tho only railway communication between north and south was dependent on the line between Sydney and Newcastle, which was liable to attack and interruption. The General said it was of grave importance to provide alternative connections, more remote from posssible attack. ARMS AND AMMUNITION WANTED. SYDNEY, 23rd January. A deputation, representing the British Immigration League, and including a number of citizens, has asked the Lord Mayor to convene a public meeting to discuss the necessity of completing the defence system, and particularly by increasing the supply of rifles and ammunition. The deputation stated that it had no desire to embarrass the Commonwealth Government, but to assure the Government that any action taken to expedite the organisation of ' the defences would receive the united support of the citizens. The critical state of European politics was used as one argument to show the need for Australia to be prepared. A statement was made that there was no ammunition for the few reserve rifles the country possessed. The Lord Mayor promised to give the representations of the speakers his consideration, but advised the deputation to see Mr. Fisher, the Commonwealth Prime Minister.