LORD JELLICOE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18434, 14 June 1920, Page 7

LORD JELLICOE.

SPEECH AT ROYAL COLONIAL INSTITUTE.

tSy Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received June 13, 5.5 p.m.) V LONDON, Juno 11. The Royal Colonial Institute annual dinner was largely attended. Tho Duke of Connaught wrote regretting lu3 absence owing to his recent bereavement. Lord Jellicoe was the guest of honour. Lord Selbourne. in proposing tho toast of "Imperial Defence," said that during 1918 the world's fate hung *m a razor edge. Now, whether the Leaguo of Nations became an accomplished fact or not, the Empire must (•rganise its defence H© believed that the League of Nations could only become an accomplished fact with tho weight of the British Empire behind it. to The units of the Empire must do what Jkihey oould within their limits to pro\ide defence, of their own free will. There still remained the problem to be solved of how these measures of defence could be co-ordinated- Lord Selborno said that Lord Jellicoe was eminently fitted to advise tho solution of the naval aspect, which mußt always remain the greatest aspect of Imperial defence. They congratulated their fellowcountrymen in Now Zealand on their Hew Governor-General. Lord Jelliooe was given an ovation on replying. Ha said that he and Lady Jellicoe • felt that they were going to a land and people that they loved. He found in the dominions great realisation of the fact that sea-power was all in all to the Empire. He meant this not in sole reference to naval ..powes but in the general use of power at sea, which was largely oentred in our mercantile marine. Tho latter's service in the war would never be forgotten as long its the Empire existed. He thought that Jfr Watt's statement that the predominant partner did not call a meeting of directors sufficiently often was fully justified. He spoke appreciatively of the reception given the battle-cruiser New Zealand on tour. They ■were overwhelmed with kindness and hospitality. He looked forward with great pleasure to his term in New Zealand. The pleasure was enhanced by the fact that Sir Thomas Mackenzie, who had done so much for New Zealand, would shortly follow him there.