DEFENDING THE EMPIRE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 492, 23 October 1928, Page 9

DEFENDING THE EMPIRE

CANADA NOT PLAYING ITS PART (United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Received 1.30 p.m. VANCOUVER, 8.C., Monday. Speaking at the Trafalgar Day ceremonies the Premier of British Columbia, Mr. Tolmie, said that the time had come when Canada should assume its proper share in the naval defence of the Empire. Being enthusiastic Britishers when they had a bushel of wheat to sell or when they needed capital was not playing their part. The “Royal Canadian Navy” at present consists of two destroyers, Patrician and Patriot, and four mine-sweeping trawlers. It was established in 1910 with two old cruisers, but these were sold after the war. Speaking at Victoria, 8.C., on his way home from the Imperial Conference early last year, the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. S. M. Bruce said: “Suppose there was a war in the Pacific. How would you feel if I had to send my four cruisers here to protect you In the case of war what would actually happen? Both Canadian and Australian trade would have to be protected, not bi* the Australian Navy, but by the whole force of the British Navy, which Ino people of Great Britain have to support. “You in Canada have more ti'ade, more people than we have in Australia, and Canada should be prepared to go further in these and other things than Australia.”