Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8928, 17 December 1887, Page 4

Lord Brassey has, through tho columns of the London Times, been drawing publio attention in the United Kingdom to the necessity of placing Port Darwin in a state of thorough defence. Considering that this is at present the chief point of importance in connection with the cable communications of the Australasian colo-i nies, nothing but a feeling of foolhardi* ness can account for the proposal to mak the security of that position dependent on light guns and a small force of volunteers. The present state of Europe imposts a duty on the Imperial authorities to take such measures as would effectually guard against this position being surprised by an enemy, and all these colonies being suddenly left in ignorance of the outbreak of war. The Times, it is gratify-* ing to see, supports Lord Brassey'a contention, and asserts that Thursday Island and Albany as well as Port Darwin should be fortified without delay. The vast interests which have sprang up in Australasia within the last 40 years have in the estimation of the Times made this part of the Queen's dominions the saconi centre of the Empire, and entitle it to be put on such a footing, as respects de« fence, that it could effectually co-operate with Great Britain in protecting the extensive commerce carried on between them. The security of the three positions named is essential to the safety of the continental portion of Australasia, and that which is requisite to place the Island portion of it, or Polynesia, of which New Zealand may be deemed tha head, Admiral Fairfax, in concert with Governor Jervois, will be in a position to determine during his visit to these shores. His arrival in this harbour at such a juncture may be deemed in every sense of the word opportune, and it may be expected that the completion of our capacious dock will have a material influence in leading him to decide on making Auckland the headquarters 01 naval defence for this division of the Pacific. It is daily becoming more evident that no time , Bhould be lost in perfecting the naval arrangements for these important colonies, whose wealth, population and trade are so rapidly increasing. It is only the other day that the Moscow Gazette urged the necessity of Russia having a strong fleet in the Pacific; ana the reason which General Boulanger is | represented in to-day's messages as having 1 given for declining the request which appears to have been made to him to become a Deputy— the time is near when there will be greater need for generals and admirals than for Deputies —is not without its significance. Ip 0 1" dents such as these show that, notwithstanding all the professions of faith in the. continuance of peace which emanate from the European courts, Europe is yet in that condition which portends the outbreak of war at any moment. Come when tho conflict may it is sure to commence suddenly, and it is therefore of the utmost consequence that the couiniumca« tions, ' the ports, and the lines of ocean traffic pertaining to these colonies, should not be at the mercy of the enemy.