LATER—A SUGGESTION.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 235, 14 March 1885, Page 3

LATER— A SUGGESTION.

Since the above was put into type there has been a meeting of the Cabinet in Wellington to consider the question of defence, and the Government propose to disclose their plans in Sir Julius Vogel's speech at Christchurch. It seems probable that — unless the outbreak

of war should hasten matters — no permanent defensive works will be constructed until the next session of Parliament, when a loan will be raised for the purpose. But should war be declared before that, the Russians, notwithstanding their reputation for politeness, will not stay their hands till after the usual session of Parliament. Our weakness would be their opportunity.

For my part I do not see the necessity for delaying matters until Parliament meets. The positions for the batteries have already been selected. There are hundreds of men "who are panting to distinguish themselves by going to the Soudan. Mr Ballance calls them loafers. Let them wipe off the stigma by seizing- picks and shovels and setting to work to erect batteries and mount guns. There are also hundreds of wealthy patriots, who, if not exactly anxious to shed their blood — like the heroic C. J. Hutchinson, are willing to shell -out their hard cash for a Patriotic Defence Fund. Someone has suggested that working men should give a day's wage towards the Defence Fund. But a day's work would do as an equivalent. Here then are the two essentials for success — money and muscles. If we look back at the American War of Independence, or the French Revolution of 1789, we see what a colony or a nation can do with, slender resources in a patriotic war. Given the money and muscles — the sinews of war — and the necessary skill would be forthcoming. We have plenty of trained officers of the Royal Engineers, Artillery, and Infantry in the Colony who would be glad to give their services if called upon. Let vis have action, not talk.