DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 19

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

AUSTRALASIA'S CONTRIBUTION. LONDON, May 27. At the Australian dinner, Sir G. H. Reid, in proposing the health of Lord Kitchener, said : Australia's beginning of an army and navy may be small, but she felt that she was able to take a larger share in the responsibilities of the Empire. Her soldiers and ships were firstly for Australia's defence, but if danger came whatever ships Canada, Australia, and South Africa had > would very soon be in the fighting line of the Empire. Australians wanted to start with the very best military advice, and had obtained it. He hoped that Lord Kit* chener had given Australia a start which' would enable her to take a high place in the Empire on the vital principle of defence. Lord Kitchener, in replying, said ic was very satisfactory to learn that the scheme which he had prepared had been; endorsed by the Fisher which had also endorsed Colonel KirkV Patrick's appointment, thus obtaining the advice of a very capable officer, who would be of the utmost value to them,; The continuity of policy would enablef Australia to successfully solve problems which had given such trouble to other countries. He was also glad to know that New Zealand had adopted the same system. Thus a uniform organisation had been created throughout Australasia. He was confident that his scheme would be carried out without serious alterations, and he was sure that minor obstacle!' would be overcome without interfering with the fundamental principles.