AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 24 January 1911, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCES.

EXPEDITION URGED. Press Association.— Copyright. • SYDNEY, Monday. A deputation representing the British - Immigration League ,and a number "of leading citizens asked the Lord Mayor to convene, a public meeting to-discuss the necessity of completing the defence 'system jan'd particularly for completing .he supply of - rifles and ■ ammunition. The deputation had no desire to harass iho Commonwealth but assured the Government that ,any action to expedite the organisation of the defences would receive the" united support of the citizens, . The critical state of European politics was used as: one argument of the need of Australia to, be prepared. The statement was me.de that there was no ammunition, for tho new reserve rifles the country possessed. The Lord Mayor promised tion of the request ,but advised 'the deputation to see Mr Fisher.. - STRATEGIC WEAKNESS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. THE SINGLE NiORTHERJjT RAIL- • ' WAV. VIEWS OF GENJBRAIi HOAD. (Received 8.55 a.m."J SYDNEY, Tuesday. Major-General Hoad, before the Decentralisation Commission, declared thatNew South Wales disclosed strategical weakness, as the only railway communication between north and south was dependent on the line between Sydney and Newcastle, which was liable to attack and interruption. It was of grave importance to provide an alternate conneotion more remote from possible at tack.