DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9534, 5 May 1909, Page 1

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

CONFERENCE IN LONDON.

STATEMENT BY MR ASQUITH United Press Association— By Electrio

Telegraph— Copyright.

LONDON, May 4.

In the House of Commons Mr Asquith informed Mr J. B. Lonsdale that steps would be taken to ascertain the views of the self-governing dominions relating to the proposed conference about July to discuss the naval and military defence of the Empire, with -pecial reference to the proposals received from Canada, ." Australia and New Zealand.

Mr ! Asquith, replying to Captain Craig, declined to give instructions for flying the Union Jack on public offices on Empire Day.

The "Times" heartily congratulates Mr Asquith on the proposed conference,- inasmuch as it has become increasingly clear as the mails broughtfuller accounts of the movement of

publio feeling in the dominions that, While all parties and sections are eager to assume some greater share of the responsibilities of 'naval defence/there Is considerable doubt and disagreement )»ncerning the manner of the share feacE can best assume. The "Times" trusts that the Commonwealth Government will be able to participate in the Biacussion; also that the fact that the New Zealand Parliament- will be sitting in July will not debar the presence of Sir Joseph Ward himself or fnetobers of the Cabinet. It is hoped, Jfchat South Africa will be so far advanced on the road to legislative union what its representatives will likewise jrtteiuL