IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10479, 15 October 1912, Page 8

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copjwight. Melbourne, October 14. Mr Pearce, in replying to 'ggg. Joseph "Ward’s statements rega«Mßfc the control of the navy by the Admiralty, quotes Sir Joseph Ward’s proposal to Mr McKenna, who was then First Lord of the Admiralty, asjcoutained in reports of the Imperial Conference. Sir Joseph Ward said: “I, however, consider it desirable that a portion of the ChinaPacific unit should remain in New Zealand waters. . I suggest that the two new British cruisers, three 'destroyers, and two 'submarines should bo detached from the China station in time cf peace and stationed in New Zealand waters. These would be nader the flag of ths Admiral of the China unit. The flagship should make periodical visits to New Zealand, and there should he an interchange'of cruisers between New Zealand and China, under conditions to he laid down. ’ 5 Mr Poarco concludes: “If that is not a proposal to take the control of the Cinna-Pacific unit out of the hands of the Admiralty, I would like to kpow "tthat it is.”