The N.Z. Times (PUBLISHED DAILY). FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1904. DEFENCE MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5311, 24 June 1904, Page 4

The N.Z. Times

(PUBLISHED DAILY). FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1904. DEFENCE MATTERS.

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Recent events and utterances have focussed ‘jniblicvattention on llio qnestiou of tho defences of Now Zealand. Our new Governor was much impressed by tbo turn-out of cadet corps on the occasion of his reception, and MajorGeneral Babhigfon, in his speech at tho banquet to the Premier, also made appreciative references to the cadet system, which ho viewed as an excellent substitute for conscription. Tho Premier had likewise something to say on the subject of our defences, when ho expressed his gratification at the results of tho recruiting for the New Zealand naval reserve, and intimated Ids intention of advocating a further strengthening of the Australasian squadron. These expressions of opinion were all on correct and commendable lines. The genius, of the British people is strongly defensive; hut it is at the same time emphatically opposed to militarism, as understood in Continental Europe, and to anything approximating compulsory military service. The utterances we refer to are tho more pleasing because there has of late years been a disposition in Australia and Now Zealand to embark upon costly and elaborate schemes of military organisation of a kind that is totally unnecessary and uncalled for in these countries. There can bo no doubt that New Zealand must, for many years to- come,rely chiefly upon the British navy for the defence of her shores against foreign aggression. The aspiration to own a navy of her own, which is cherished by a section of tho people of Australia, is unknown in this country. Distance is a natural protection against effective invasion, and it is evident that the fight in defence of these colonies would take place somewhere in the Pacific or Southern Ocean, and not on our coasts. Mr Seddon is therefore right when ha contends for a strengthening of the Australian squadron. His views on the New Zealand naval reserve are also' sound. It is well that we shouldjiave a proportion of our rising manhood trained to naval work, yet in such a manner that they will not be permanently lost to the colony, but will be in a position to take their places in this country’s industrial life and bo ready when callel upon to spring to duty on tho warships that must bo our chief protectors against invasion. It is pleasnig to know that there has been- an adequate response to the call for New Zealand recruits to join the Royal Navy; and when the promised training-ship is available, we have no doubt there will be many youths ready to enter upon honourable and patriotic service that offers opportunities of preferment and distinction.

In the matter of harbour defences and land forces it cannot be too strongly impressed upon the people that expenditure on these is to a large extent money thrown away. Above all, it must be evident that it is desirajble to keep the permanent force at a minimum strength. A powerful nation like the United States has given us an example of how effective defence is quite compatible with a very small standing army; and the late Boor war taught us that a citizen army, trained to ride well and shoot straight, is the best defensive weapon. The ideal democracy, is one in which every citizen is ready to take his place in defence of his country, without being withdrawn for a long period of sendee from industrial and wealth-producing pursuits. If we keep this ideal before us in New Zealand, we may well say—“ Come the whole world in arms, and we shall shock them!” The imparting of military training and discipline to our public school boys will not only conduce to their physical health, but will also make them easily convertible in after years into efficient defenders of their country, should occasion arise. • It is to be hoped that "New Zealand will continue to progress along the safe lines of national defence that are now being followed.