UNION FOR DEFENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 56, 11 March 1910, Page 5

UNION FOR DEFENCE.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT

[PBESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received March 11, ;8.50 a.m.)

SYDNEY, March 11. The Sydney Morning Herald commenting on Lord Kitchener's report on the defence of New Zealand, says: "It was a poor argument to settle the question of New Zealand's joining the Australian Federation on the score of distance, because Perth is further from Sydney and Melbourne than the latter capitals are from Auckland and Wellington. Moreover, seas united and do not divide people of the same race. Now Lord Kitchener finds that Australia and New Zealand must be taken together. In war they must be associated, and in the preparation of advice which suits one and is appropriate to the other. It would be absurd to say that these must draw New Zealand into the Commonwealth. We do not believe anything of the kind; but not until each' gets its baptism of fire will there be any needful pressure for union. Lord Kitchener's programme will prepare the way. There will be combining in the near future for the mutual defence of the mighty Empire, and this will be a long step forward.""