TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS. THIRD EDITION. IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6240, 17 May 1888, Page 3

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS. THIRD EDITION. IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

♦ Ist elbctbiq 'lelegsaps-copysiget.-] [Bfxoial to Pbbss Association.] rßtoeired May 17. at 11 a.m/| tONDON, Mat IS. The Debate in the Commons. la the House of Commons, the Eight Hon W. H. Smith introduced the Imperial defence resolutions. In doing this he stated that the Colonies recognised that they must assist to protect their own interests. He submitted that the annual charge for the defence of the mercantile ports and coaling stations was deficient. Opposition toy Mr Labouchere. Mr Labouchere objected to the expenditure of any money upon the Colonies, and thought that Australia should pay for her own defence, and contribute towards the cost of the chief diplomatic service, Mr Goschen -defended Australia, and said that the money expended in Colonial defence was simply advanced to the Colonies. He explained that the Imperial Government was forced to protect Australian commerce, as most of the vessels used for carrying goods there were owned in England. Lord George Hamilton stated that arrangements had been come to by which it-was agreed that the cost of the Colonial defences should be defrayed equally by England and Australia. Mr James Jl'Lean, M.P. for Old- '• ham, raid that he waff glad io^see that the Colonies recognised their responsibility, and were willing to -contribute towards the defence of the Empire and Australasia. Resolutions Carried. The resolutions were carried by eighty-five to thirty-seven, and the debate adjourned.