DEFENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11541, 30 March 1898, Page 6

DEFENCE.

TO THE EDITOR.. Sib, —" The position of Great Britain is one of the utmost difficulty, but if the wisdom of her statesmen should fail her she can rely upon the patriotism of her people to hold—if needs be by force of arms—the position she has won among the civilised nations of the world.” “Brave words, my poy, prave words,” but would not a little encouragement in the past to the people of the colony to establish a sound system of defence have been better. For the last two or three years I have endeavoured to call attention through the columns of your paper, and by personal interviews with yourself, to the urgent necessity of preparation for a struggle against the coalition that has been forming against Groat Britain. A combination of Russia, France, Germany and Japan has been threatening, and although the idea' has been laughed at, 1 believe that a short time will see the coalition effected. Now that the position is so critical Hiat war jnay be', only..a few days distant, you tell us that Great Britain may

rely upon the patriotism o£ her people to save her in time of trouble. What is the use of patriotism without powder, or or patriotism that limits its expenditure upon defence to less than two shillings a beau per annum as in this colony ? Patriotism that is willing to jump on a fence and cry cock-a-doo-dle-doo, and sing “ Rule Britannia,” but will not take measures to prepare for an effective defence. At thepresent time war may be only a question of hours or days, but it may by some change in the political world be postponed for months, or even years; but the danger will recur from time to time, and I hope that the present crisis will be the means of arousing you to the realisation of the danger this colony is running by the utter, inadequateness of our present defences. The patriotism you speak of is not sufficient for effective defence; there must be weapons and organisation, and the neces- | sary steps should have been taken long ago. There may yet be time, but unless something is done quickly the risk will be .greatly.-increased.—l am, &c.. : ALEXANDER JOYCE.