AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14211, 28 May 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE.

ADDRESS BY LORD KITCHENER. Pi'ws Aseociation-By Telegraph-Copyright Received 10.15 p.m., May 27th. LONDON, May 27. At tho Australasian dinner, Sir George Reid, in proposing the health of Lord Kitchener, said that Australia's beginning of an army and navy may be small, but she felt able to take a larger share in the responsibilities of tho Empire. The soldiers and stops wero firstly for Australia's defence, but if danger came from whatever source, the ships of Canada, Australia and South Africa would very soon be in the fighting line of the Empire. The Australians wanted to start with*the very best military advice and had obtained it. He hoped that Lord Kitchener had given Australia a start which would enable her to take a high place in the Empire on the vital principle of defence. Lord Kitchener, in replying, said it was very satisfactory to learn that the scheme lie had prepared had been endorsed by the Fisher Government, -Hhich also endorsed Colonel Kirkpat-rk-k's appointment, thus obtaining the advice of a very capable officer, who would bo of the utmost value to them. This continuity of policy would enable -Australia to successfully solve the problems which gave such trouble to other countries. He was also glad to know tliat New Zealand had adopted the same system, thus a. uniform organisation was created throughout Australasia. He was confident that his scheme could be carried out without serious alteration. He was sure minor obstacles would be overcome without interfering with the fundamental principles of the. scheme.