IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10591, 8 March 1913, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVAL DEBATE.

TTaited Press Association—By Electxi« Telegraph—Copyright. Capetown, March 7. Considerable feeling has been aroused over the naval debate and there is much discussion on the apparent inconsistency of the Hon. saners and the Hon. Botha’s speeches. The Hon. Sauer said he feared parts of the Empire were not wholly spontaneous, and he doubted South Africa would follow Canada’s policy of having Ministers * Council of Defence. He felt that South Africa must do something to protect the trade routes, tlfl nointed out that South Africa had contributed £938,1)00 ;to the British navy, apart from the halfmillion annually in the form of preferential duties. It”was the primary Pntv of a country that.wanted an ffmoire to find the means for mainThe British And German armaments were absolutely wicked, and any encouragement would be unfortunate. MrEichardt, an Orangian, contended that South Africa’s present contribution was much too high, and asked whether in the negotiations I the line of the Hon. Botha’s or the VHon. Sauer’s speech would be fol*°Mr*Hertzog described the Empire as a sort of alliance of all the Dominions, under Great Britain. He sonsidered the protection of trade, and also the carriers of that trade, W as the first duty. The defence of tho country was the first essential to South Africa. He doubted whether the community had money enough to make a substantial gift. He vehemently protested agaiast the Hon. Louis Botha going_ He should formulate his proposals, and submit them to the House, then negotiate with England. ’ • The Hon. Malan pointed out that the imperial Government had spsni hundred of thousands on the Union, and the Question was whether the Union should take over this works. It was impossible to decide on a policy without discussion with the Imperial Government. London, March 7. The HouseaOf Commons disallowed the Lords’ amendment to the Trades Unions Bill prohibiting the establishment .of a political newspaper unless approved.