TRAFALGAR DAY

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 27

TRAFALGAR DAY

CELEBRATIONS IN AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, October 22. Trafalgar Day was celebrated quietly. Bunting was displayed in various places; a patriotic concert was held in the evening ; and the Australia naval men held a social. MELBOURNE, October 22. ■ At an enthusiastic meeting in celebration of Trafalgar Day, held in the Town Hall, Sir George Reid delivered the fob lowing message to Australia from Lord Kitchener :—“ I have been watching carefully your military achievements since I left Australia. I am more than pleased with them, and am delighted that you are evolving a sound military system.” BANQUET IN LONDON, LONDON, October 21. Before a great gathering at the Navy League’s banquet Lord Selborne proposed “ The Immortal Memory of Nelson ” and Lord Braseey “The Imperial Forces.” CapCollins responded. Lord Sydenham proposed “ The Dominions,” and the Hon. T. Mackenzie and Sir R. M‘Bride (British Columbia) replied. The Agents-general and their wives were present. October 22. Amongst the wreaths placed on the Nelson Column were those from the Australian and Naw Zealand Navy Leagues and the Australian navy. THE NAVAL SITUATION. LONDON, October 21. The Navy League has addressed a pronouncement on the naval situation to the people of the Empire. It declares that the time has arrived for the establishment of closer relationship in Imperial defence, and it urges the Imperial Government to take steps immediately to promote closer cooperation with the sister nations, and to create a central Imperial Council to deal with the problems of the Empire in regard to naval defence. It advocates the standard of two keels to one in capital ships against the next strongest nation, and also the creation of an Imperial squadron to show the flag and enforce diplomatic rights in any part of the world.