THE DEFENCES OF THE COLONIES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXII, Issue 23, 28 January 1898, Page 2

THE DEFENCES OF THE COLONIES.

VIEWS OF GENERAL SIR ROBERT GRANT. ORGANISATION THE NECESSITY OF THE HOUH. [United Prefss Association.] LONDON, January 27. tAt a banquet tonight Lieutenant' General Sir Kobert Grant, speaking as President of the Colonial Defence Committee, said it was essential that a nivval basis should be adequately garrisoned I imperially and locally so as to ensure freedom of action for the navy. The proper organisation of the colonial forces, ho said, was a most important matter. The organisation in tho 4natraliu)iau colonies was yoavly improving, and the colonies had gone a long way towards establishing a force snfHcient for their defence. It was desirable that an Av|s* tralasian Brigade should always be ready to assist the Imperial forces in the event of nocessity arising. He believed that the colonies would always be ready to share the responsibilities of the Empire. Military officers were scarcely sufficiently trained in Australasia. They required instruction at a rnilitary academy similar to that at Kingston,. Canada. Not more men, but a better organisation, was the necessity of the hour. Sir Saul Samuel, in proposing the toast of New South Wales, referred to the evidences of progress in the colony, and dwelt upon the.loyalty and willingness of the colonial military forces to assist in the defence of the Empire,