UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10098, 6 April 1896, Page 5

UNITY OF THE EMPIRE.

: «CZ- ' I — b pßop JGIFT OF a WARSHIP. J COST r® RAISED BY public I /subscription. 3 / 5 / OFFER OF £1000. / OFFER OF £1000. ' /eLEQRAPH.-—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' / Wellington, Saturday, i A interview which a Post repre--1 live had with Mr. David Ziman 1 feting his mining operations on tho ! ft Count, and tin) intentions of the comipy which has bean formed in London to ■Srk the properties he acquired when last ( Mew Zealand the conversation turned i the subject of tho lata political exciteenb in tho Old Country, and of tho warko ontliusiaam evoked, of which Mr, iman was a witness. To a query of the oat's representative as to the manner of 10 reception of the cablca from the colonies ' their loyalty and dovotion to the Umpire, Ir. Ziman answered "Tho people in Engnrt wore vory pleased at tho way NewZoand and the Australian Colonies generally lowed their loyalty to the Mother Country, f courso you read Mr. Chamberlain's ■ply. If I may express an opinion I should iy that the time lias arrived when the Monies might show their loyalty in a more abstanti.il manner." " What form is it that you suggest !'' " Well, you know, it is a fashion among iroignors in England to speak of the Dlonies as only fair-weather friends of Inland, and I have often heard ib lid that soonor than pub up with ijury to trade, and the oxponso .•hinh war involves, tho colonies would

detect England if she became involved in a great European war. Some colour is lent to tins argument by the fact that at present the colonies contribute almost nothing to the defence of their own coasts. There was a good deal of correspondence on this subject in the Times last year, and it was pointed out that at present a British subject in England has to pay taxes to protect the coasts of British subjects in Now Zealand, which seems hardly fair. It would bo perfectly fair and just that Australasian Governments should contribute more in proportion to their wealth and population to the Imperial defences, butin England people are content that things should co on as they are, and they are so proud of the greatness of the Empire that they are not disposed to bargain with the colonies as to their contributing funds for tho Imperial navy. This brings me to the suggestion I havo to make. Lot us give tho wholo world an object lesson of the unity of the Empiro ; let us of our own free will present a battleship to the Imperial navy." "That is, indeed, a big proposal. Havo you thought what such a ship would cost, and how the money is to be raised ?" Oh, yes; I think a battleship quite worthy of Australasia could bo built for about £500,000, and this sum I should like to see presented for that purpose to the British admiralty as a free gilt from the people and Governments of Australasia.' " And how do you think such agifb would be received in England ?" "I think it would arouse an amount of enthusiasm for New Zealand and Australia which one can hardly realise. In this way it would, I believe, be a great guarantee of peace, for few, indeed, would dare to vonture on war with an empire that could exhibit to the world such a sign of unity and solidity." "Your idea, Mr. Ziman, is a bold and attractive one, but how would you suggest that effect should be given to it?" " Well, I think that is rather for some of your public men to undertake. I would suggest that voluntary subscriptions bo raised both in Now Zealand and Australia, that the Governments should also contribute, say £1 for each £1 raised by the public. Any subscription, however small, should bo thankfully received, and everyono who contributed half-a-crown to such a purpose would feel that he was doing something to knit closer the ties between the colonies and the mother country. lam sure the movement would receive great sympathy and support in Australia as well as New Zealand, and as far as I am concerned, though I have plenty to do with my money just now, I shall bo very pleased on my own account to contribute £1000 just to make a start with, for although a foreigner by nationality and religion I am thoroughly British at heart, and am pleased to take an opportunity of showing my loyalty and affection towards the great British Empire, which gives liberty and protection to all who wish to live under its flag."