LORD KITCHENER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7020, 7 January 1910, Page 7

LORD KITCHENER

BANQUET AT SYDNEY SPEECHES ON NAVAL AND MIL! TARY MATTERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, January 6. The banquet at the Town Hall last night in honour of Lord Kitoheaei was a brilliant function. The principal speakers were Mr Joseph Oook,' Minister for Defence, and Sir George Reid. In his speech, Mr Cook said tie object of Lord Kitchener's visit was to formulate a scheme of defence to enable Australians to hold the cointanent for. themselves aod for the Efcnpiro. Ho paid a compliment to Lord Kitchener's diplomacy,'which hud. prevented as much war as ho had. successfully undertaken in defence of tho Empire. * . Lord Kitchener,, in a. brief reply, said he had been struck, by Sydney's maguifioont harbour, and iis. valuo as a naval ba.so in tdmo of wax... "It is on tho Navy that you must rely in the first instance to frustrate- tho dosigns of the enemy on isolated, poctabns of territory ; and to keep open communication with other parts of' tho world. " Whatever chaitges may occur,. Sydney will always remain a naval base of the first importance; but it is essential that it must be made safe from attack. Complete sßonrrty is only obtainable by efficient fixed defences, supported by a mobile, and efficient la.nd force," It was entirely fortunate, added the Field-Marsha], that the natural features of tho country round Sydney would greatly facilitate the steps that had to be taken for effectiire defonco of the harbour. A LIVERPOOL'CAMP. ■ FIVE THOUSAND MEN UNDER REVIEW. (Received January 7, 1.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 8. To-day Lord Kithcener visited tho Liverpool camp, where nearly 5000 men of the various arms are under canvas. He spent the day on horseback, making a comprehensive in, spection of the troops, and wntching the manoeuvres of attacking and defending columns. A VISIT TO CHILE. INSPECTION OF TRANSANDEAN RAILWAY.

(Received January 7, 0.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 6.

Lord Kitchener, while in Newcastle yesterday, informed tho Consul for Chile that ho would like to visit that country and seo the Transandcan railWay. He wished to know if tho Chilean Government would send a warship to Tahiti to meet him. The Consul has undertaken to ascertain if tho desire can bo complied with. Lord Kitchener expects to finish his tour of New Zealand on March 2nd, and he will then proceed via Honolulu to Tahiti.