THE NAVAL EXHIBITION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9740, 5 March 1914, Page 2

THE NAVAL EXHIBITION.

NEW ZEALAND URGED TO SEND EXHIBITS. AUCKLAND. March 0. Mr J. H. S. Stuart, Managing Agent for Australia for the Royal Packet S. N. Coy., which runs steamers between Australia and Java, arrived in Auckland yesterday to make arrangement*, if possible, for a New Zealand exhibit ol produce at the forthcoming exhibition at Samarang. Mr Stuart pointed out that thirty-five million people live in a country little bigger than the Sooth Island of New Zealand. So there is there 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 pone seriously into the question of the proper defence of the Dutch Indies. He said a Royal Commission of Defence sat, and a* 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 is a matter." .said Mr Stuart, "that also interests yon over here, for if once Java passed into the hands of the Eastern nation it Would bring them within very close striking distance of Australasia. 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 bo larp;e, the Government of Holland recognise the value of Java, as the islands arc progressing wonderfully, and during the last ten years the imports and exports have increased by 25 per cent."