LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2857, 16 December 1908, Page 19

LIMITATION OF ARMAMENTS.

■ » - BERLIN, December 11. Replying to criticisms by Herr Hassman, the South German People's party, and others, Prince yon Bulow in the - Reichstag denied that any proposal for. the limitation of naval armaments had I been made to Germany. He disclaimed a wish to dismiss the possibility of limitation offhand, but emphasised the practical ' obstacles. He asked regarding relative standards what criteria should be decisive? Even if it were possible to calculate existing interests in the world's seas, how could they separate unjustifiable from justifiable aspirations; how measure * the growth of- interests' and .economic I ambitions; how forecast- technical in venj tions and their consequences? Ho "J dwelt next on Germany's geographical - position permanently- making' its safety, \ dependent on the army. He argued that. • sacrifices for the army and for a sociaF" policy .which was far in.-adv.anee c-f that I of other countries constituted with Ger-. ■ many' s limited resources a guarantee against over-stepping the limit of naval construction prescribed by the necessities . of defence, and the prote< tton oi Uud» , and fixed by law accordingly,.

A valuable gold mayoral chain has been provided for -the Mayor of Rsngiora to -wear. Each Mayor that has held office since the inoorpojatdon of the borough 30 Jrectts ago, provided a shield-shaped link inscribed with lis name and dkte of election. The family of tbe first Major gave a nwriftllinn pendant.