"THE VITAL QUESTION."

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 111, 13 May 1914, Page 5

"THE VITAL QUESTION."

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC

MR A. M. MYERS AT VAN-

COUVER.

[Press Association.]

VANCOUVER, May 12

Mr A. M. Myers, intei-yiew«d, eaid vfchat I*B was glad to recognise that the Imperial spirit was growing in Gan- • ada equally with, New 'Zealand. The vital question for consideration was now tlae defence of the Pacific. The> timo' foi- definite action j had arrived. The foundations ought now. to be laid for the future policing of _ th,©;, Pacific. •Canadia, Austmlia, and New-^Zealand ou^it to unite for this purpose^ Wliiletfully recognising.the indepeaidenco of the British Navy, Mr,llyers felt that the time had arrived^ ;when the Dominions ought to sha^e more .of the burdens of the; Empire. It was unpleasaont to think t&afe New Zealand's existence .depended: on ,a friendly treaty with Jiapayti. Tlie oi^eation of even a nucleus of -a navy at the present time was a step-in the light direction. If the Empire evetf fell apai-t it would be due, to lack of sympathy and lack of imaMnation caused by lack /of knowledge.. sTlie interchange of visits by the people's representatives .throughout the Empire was eminently desirable, o, ,