THE EASTERN SEAS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 4 March 1914, Page 8

THE EASTERN SEAS.

TRADE AND DEFENCE

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION, AUCKLAND, March 4

Mr J. H. S. Stuart, managing agent ! for Australia for the Iloya 1 Packet S.S. Company, which runs steamers between Australia and Java, has arrived in Auckland to make arrangements, if possible, for a New Zealand exhibit of produce at the forthcoming exhibition at Samarang. Mr Stuart pointed out that thirty-five millions of people live in a country little bigger than the South Island of New Zealand, so there is an enormous market for New Zealand produce. Mr Stuart had a good deal to say about the menace of Japan. The Government of Holland has gone seriously into thf question of a proper defence of tbe Dutch Indies. He said that a Royal Commission of Defence had been set" up. and, as a result, nine Dreadnoughts are to be built, also eighteen •destroyers, and twelve submarines. That means a heavy expenditure, but, in view of the growth of Japan since the Russian war, it is felt necessary to prepare to defend the Indies. "This," said Mr Stuart, "is a matter that also interests you over .here, for if once Java passed into' the hands of an Eastern nation it would bring them within very close striking distance of .Australia. It is an easy four days' steam to the nearest point from Java to Australia, and still less from some of the outlying islands belonging to the Dutch. "Although the expenditure on defence will be large, the Government of Holland recognises the value of Java, as these islands are progressing wonderfully, and during the last ten years imports and exports have increased by 25 per cent."