A POSSIBLE CALAMITY.

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1913, Page 6

A POSSIBLE CALAMITY.

"We warn the Tsar," is practically! the threat of certain capitalists, including Sir Joseph Ward, against any Government which dares to insult them with a "local navy" (remarks the ''Post"). Awarua's member announced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday that he had been told by wealthy men that as soon as New Zealand took such a step as the creation of a local navy they would take themselves and their money out of the country, and he would do the same. These wealthy gentlemen seem to be slightly overwrought. By the manner of Sir Joseph's declaration people might fancy that the threatful magnates had their loins girded in readiness for/ migration at a moment's notice, with enough pocket money for the voyage and the rest pitilessly drafted to distant territory —uot Australia, because the Commonwealth is acquiring a fleet (subject to Imperial control), not for a proclamation of independence but in reduction of the old weak dependence on the over-burdened Mother Country. However, the Massey Government, acting for only a million people, does not propose to establish such a "local navy" as Sir Joseph despises, and, therefore, the ex-Premier's remarks about saying good-bye to these lonely islands expose him to some banter. For once, the optimist is rather a

pessimist, a prophet of evil, if his own ideas about naval defence do not prevail. Besides, where would be the patriotism in such a hasty exit from aii allegedly unfortunate country? If a costly blunder, according to Sir Joseph's opinion, was made here, would not he deserve more his own respect and the esteem of his fellowcitizens by staying here to assist in a recovery? Are the hearts and souls of those capitalists, current with their money? Suppose, too, for argument's sake that a "local navy" grows up in these waters, and those capitalists waft-their funds to other shores. What will happen? Will the area of New Zealand shrink? Will the seasons .change tlieiir character? Will the cows pass a vote of no-confidence in the Government? Will the earth and Nature "strike" in sympathy with the deserters? Somehow these islands will maintain a large and healthy population after any such group of rich men has crossed the seas.