DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13893, 3 May 1907, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE

SPEECH BY THE HON. \V. HALLJONES. (Per United Punas Association.) CHRISTCHURCII, .May 2. The Acting Prinio Minister (the 'Hon. W. Hall-Jones), in opening a band room at Timnni to-day, made tho - following stateinont in reference to the Imperial Conference and the naval and military defence of the Empire:—"ln that great conference which is sitting in the Old Country we have had our attention drawn very clearly as to what is our part in the defence of the Empire, It, is not alone that_ wo should make a contribution towards the ships of the Australasian squadron, but as laid down there by very eminent authorities, each colony, each part of the Empire, has its, special work to perforin in the defence of the Empire— nn Empire, do not forget, the greatest the world has ever seen, stretching over almost every pait of tho habitable gloho. All of ua are interested in seeing it maintained in its integrity, and, therefore, this colony has a duty to perform in the defence of tho Empire. It was laid down by one of the speakers at tho conference that, it was not only a question of the Australasian squadron—that was a comparatively simple matter, —but we must have mattered over our Kmpiro throughout the world safe ports for our ships, and we must have men trained to handle a rifle—men who, in limes of emergency, will be able to band together to defend our country,— not that we wish thorn to fight here, because, as you know, often the safest and best means of defence is to enter tho enemy's country and let tho fighting take place there. We cannot say what tho future of this country will be, but it will ho a great one, and no one can isny what responsibilities we may bo called upon to perforin; but we must see that we have ports, and that our Volunteer Force is properly equipped, so that when an emergency arise.? we may stand together with oilier parts of the Empire in defence of the old Hag. We rfnlise our responsibilities as a. Government in that respect." After describing what the Government was doing for the Volunteers and rifle clubs, tho Minister concluded: "Altogether, I am sure that New Zealand is within measurable distance of the lime when we will have the most perfect forco that exists in any part of the Empire."