GREAT BRITAIN'S DEFENCES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1905, 25 May 1888, Page 22

GREAT BRITAIN'S DEFENCES.

(Special to Press Association.) London, May 16. In the House of Commons Mr Smith introduced the Imperial defences resolutions, and in doing this stated that the colonies recognised that; they must assist to protect their own interests. He submitted that the annual charge for the defence of mercantile ports and coaling stations was deficient. Mr Labouchere objected to the expenditure of any money upon the colonies, and thought that Australia should pay for her own defence and contribute towards the cost of the chief diplomatic services. Mr Goschen defended Australia, and said that the money expended in colonial defence was simply advanced to the colonies. He explained that the Imperial Government were forced to protect Australian commerce, as most of the vessels used in carrying goods there were owned in England. Lord G. Hamilton stated that arrangements had been come to by which it was agreed that the cost of colonial defence should be defrayed equally by, England and Australia. Mr James M'Lean (member for Oldham) said he was glad to see that the colonies recognised their responsibility and were willing to contribute towards the defence of the Empire and Australasia. The resolutions were carried by 85 to 37, and the debate was adjourned. May 18, The Right Hon. P. de Keyser, Lord Mayor of London, has refused the use of the Guildhall for n public meeting on the question of the defences of the country, on the ground that the present agitation is unpatriotic and unworthy of the nation. The Duke of Cambridge, speaking at Liverpool, expressed the opinion that there was no immediate danger of war, but said that the pi eparations now being made by Continental Powers made it necessary that England should take all proper precautions for the safety of the country. (Per Press Association.) London, May 17. Lord Randolph Churchill, speaking at Preston, denounced the incredible waste and extravagance of the Admiralty and the War Office, where a fatal chaos would. reign in the event of war breaking out, The warships and fortresses, he said, were without guns, the rifles of the infantry were obsolete, and there was no reserve material on hand.

— Little Willio : "Go ahead, Mr Grampu3 ; eat your soup." Mr Grampus : " Certainly, my boy, but why do you wish me to?" Little Willie: "1 want to hear tho funny noise. Ma says that when you eat soup it sounds like the exhaust pipe cf a bath-tub, and I never heard one.