NAVAL DEFENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13289, 18 May 1907, Page 5

NAVAL DEFENCE.

THE COMMONWEALTH

PROPOSAL,

Copvright—May 17th, 7.14 a.m. SYDNEY, May 16,

Mr Carruthers, Premier of New South Wales, interviewed on the Federal Government's proposal for a, separate navy, he was not in all in favour of it. He considered that the protection of Australia consists in the fact that to are a dependency of the Empire with the greatest naval force in the world, and know that whatever is done here is part of the general scheme uf Imperial naval defence: but we propose to sat all aside and start "on our own," contrary to the advice of thos3 who have- forgotten more than, we ever learnt. The whole thing is a sop to a section of the community and if not openly, is covertly disloyal to English supremacy. ADDRESS BY MR DEAKIN. Copvright.—Mav 17th, 9.50 p.m. LONDON, May 17. Mr Deakin had an immense ovation at Queen's Hall. He> said that the Australians were doing their best to fit themselves for an extraordinary emergencythough he believed that while the British navy remained they could sit secure in their own domain. They had not dealt in martial pictures or encouraged military display, but they felt the time might come to the most peaceful of citizens when concession and passivity would become unmanly. Then force must be applied. They were doing their best to prepare themselves to discharge a full measure of responsibilities to their country and their King. He explained that by Australia's system of cadets and rifle clubs they were doing their utmost to develop individual responsibility. Viscount Milner, who was loudly cheered, moved a vote of thanks to Mr Deakin whom he complimented in the warmest terms, dwelling on his amazing capacity for work and the immensity of his labours during the past few weeks. Lord Milner added:—"l do not suppose we all agree with Mr Deakin's opiiiions, though personally I do not find myself in disagreement with any of his views; but I am sure all will .admit- that his presence in Britain, his .spirit, and his personality have given an immense impulse to the idea of what is called Imperial, but what I prefer to call national unity. Mr Deakiu is commonly supposed to have been treated to a certain amount of official cold water. Probablv he had not expected anything else. Ho is more than compensated in the warmth of the welcome he was certain to receive in any assembly of unofficial Britons in whatever part of the world he gees. He has won for himself a permanent place in the minds and the affections of the British people." , (Cheers.) Lord Rob?rts also thanked Mr Deakin.