AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14533, 22 November 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN DEFENC E.

A NATrONAL SEMTtMEMT. REASON FOR THE NAVY. By Telegraph.— Association —CopyriftV Capetown, November 20. The Mayor of Johannesburg, propos- ! ing the toasts of Messrs. Fisher and Fowlds, thanked the respective Governments for sending representatives to the festivities in celebration of the inauguration of the South African Union, Mr. Fisher, in responding, said he hoped that the South African Premier would one day accept an invitation to visit Australia. He welcomed the suggestion of closer union with New Zealand, as all interests in the Southern Seas were alike. History would show whether Australia, close to the gates of the great Asiatic Empire, had done' wrong in insisting on training every youth to arms. They had to take measures for defence and for the inculcation of a national sentiment, That was the reason for their navy. If the cost were £10,000,000 it would have to be provided. He believed the people of Australia were prepared to pay the price. Mr. Fowlds said there were many reasons why New Zealand should maintain its position of splendid isolation. If the people of South Africa only emulated the spirit of generosity which prompted the statesmen of. England to .make, the Union possible they must go forward and prosper. He urged justice towards the natives. «.