AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15500, 6 January 1914, Page 7

AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE

-- a*. APPROVAL BY CANADIAN. DISCIPLINARY RESULT. Bt To'.cerM.'r. -Pr».«s Association— Receded January 5. 10.15 p.m.) Los on, Janua'; 5 Is - 'he cm r.-e o' an interview on Saturday, .Mr (i. E. Foster (Canadian Minister for Customs), who is now in London with the Empire Trade ( ommissioo, said Lhat tho informal negotiations fcr oreferenc between Canada and A .jtralia had progressed favourably, but the change in the Federal Government had precluded any definite arrangement. Sentiment in Australia favoured preference.

A great mnjn-ity of Canadians approved of the Government's naval measure, but it remained u- be seen what action would be take., -n the reassembling of the Canadian Parliament, on the loth.

Mr. Ivs'.cr was especially impressed with the great interest of Australians and New Zealanders in ildow-f n. iKures. The evidence was lain, diopiu. everything said to the contrary, that the principle of universal service had sunk deeply in the mind of the people, and was being successfully carried out.

The Canadian Minister said the disciplinary result, both morally and physically, was one of the great advantages of the system. Both Australia and New Zealand were justly prcud of Australia's young fleet,

Mr. Foster emphasised the evidence of the great growth and prosperity of Australia and New Zealand. Their chief lack was that of population,'but he added that there wo- both in Australia and New Zealand a splendid nucleus of British people, thoroughly Imperial in sentiments, intensely proud of their past achievements, and intensely hopeful of 'he future.