DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LVI, Issue LVI, 11 June 1909, Page 5

DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

AUSTRALIA^ DELEGATES VIEWS.

[PBESB ASSOCIATION.] MELBOURNE^ June 10.

Colonel Foston, who represents the Cbmmonweialth; at the Defence Conference), slays he is in favor of a vigoroftua policy of naval and militaiy defence in Austra/ia. Thei naval side at presenti was the 1 first in importance JBlveay Australiaa* aspired to sea his country make a beginning with, the construction % of a local navy, and in tha fulness of time Australia may boast of a navy, but for many years she must bei dependent upon the British navy. He would not reduce/, but rathea* increase, the present subsidy. These were, however, his personal views. Hei had yet to discuss with his colleagues the policy to bo pf.aoed before) the Conference.