EMPIRE DEFENCE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 61, 18 April 1914, Page 9

EMPIRE DEFENCE.

THE NAVAL CONFERENCE

VIEWS FROM OVEESEA.

By Cable. — Press Axwrialion. — CopuriaK.

LONDON, April 17

Mr Macnamara, Parliamentary Secretary to the' Admiralty, replying to Dr Chappie in the of Commons, said it was impossible, under present circumstances, to hold a Naval Confereice at Vancouver. The papers on the subject would shortly be laid on the table of the House.'

The ''Morning Post" questions the" strategic ; soundness of Australasia's naval views. The dissipation of forces over , the wide world, it says, makes for weakness at the decisive point, but if the British Government had fulfilled its agreement, it would have been proof of its bona fides, and might have induced New Zealand to adhere, to its

subsidy. The "Morning Post" advises New Zealand, if she is determined to change her policy, to co-operate with Aus** tralia, and build a strong unit, and not sham defence works ashore.

POSITION IN AUSTRALIA,

LORD PENMAN'S FAREWELL,

(Received April 18, 10.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 17,

Lord Denman, at a farewell dinner,, discussing defence, said it may be. that the expenditure to which she is committed will prove a strain on the resources of the Commonwealth. Yet' the maintenance of the highest possible standard was .worthy of every effort. Australia had made a splendid beginning, and it would be a sad thing if'the efforts were relaxed. ' Lord. Derimaii added that Australia was the most British of all the Dominions, and he would interview Mr Churchill and put before him the Australian, view on question.