COLONIAL DEFENCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5168, 29 January 1895, Page 3

COLONIAL DEFENCE.

..'■'' •■■ m • [Spkciaii to P_._e_ Association.] ADMIRAL BRIDGE'S VIEWS. STDNBT, Jan. 29. Admiral Bridge stated, in the course of an interview, that he considered the harbour defences of most of the Australian portß (-sufficiently strong, and' did not believe that the Imperial authorities would raise any objection, if it -was decided to make the auxiliary squadron purely Australian. He expressed himself confident that everything would be done to meet the wishes of the people of the colony. However, such a departure needed the gravest consideration, and there were many reasons against the proposal. The Australian squadron was in a thoroughly efficient state, but the agreement under which the vessels of the auxiliary equadron were restricted to Australian waters, whether it was a time of peace or war, without the consent of all the colonies, seemed a possible element of danger, and might cause publicity and delay when promptitude and, secrecy were necessary. The position of Australia with regard to outside attack looked safe enough at present, but it was impossible to tell what the future might bring forth, They 'should look ahead. If England were engaged in war, Australia would be greatly concerned, as the first aim of the belligerent power would be to cut oS tood supplies and cripple Australian trade.

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