COLONIAL DEFENCES.

Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2262, 7 December 1896, Page 2

COLONIAL DEFENCES.

. ■ •: . • ♦ . ..- '; PROPOSED CONFERENCE. , i Pur -b'tHCTKic Tbi.bobjlps— Copyright. Peb Press Assooiatiqn. r. London, December 4. The Duke of Devonshire, Lord President of -the Privy Council, m the course of a speech said the Admiralty had selected ports of defence for coaling, refitting, -and repairing stations which were .absolutely secure, and where liability of attack and resources for resistances coexisted. The Government, he said> hold it to be the duty of tlie colonies to provide fixed defences and troops. Works without adequate troops were 1 useless and delusive. He said it y^as not necessary to approach the Imperial Government until the commercial side of the league had proved useful m paying the way for a better understanding with the colonies. The Admiralty, he added, would maintain supremacy at sea and pro tect thecolonies from any organised invasion, but would claim the disposal of all troops, not limiting their action to the immediate vicinity, when it. was found that that particular spot was better defended than places at a distance. The colonies, he said must repel raids on commercial ports distinct from naval bases. Sir W. B. Perceval said he hoped that the difficulty of commercial uniqu would be overcome. Sir C. Tupper expressed himself delighted at Victoria favouring the suggestion for a conference to discuss the question. The Press [generally support the holding of the conference.