Dominion Defence.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 4, 27 July 1910, Page 48

Dominion Defence.

NAME Ob’ THE DREADNOUGHT. ALTERED TO NEW ZEALAND. STRENGTH OE THE VOLUNTEERS. “The important question of defence han engaged the attention of the Government during the recess,” said Sir Joseph Ward, in his Budget speech; “ and in view of the changes in the system consequent on Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener's report it will be necessary to ask Parliament to make considerable alterations in the Act in order to place the defences of New Zealand on a sound footing, and a bill with this object is now before Parliament.”

“ I may remark that the name of the Dreadnought is to be * New Zealand, not * Zealandia,’ as was announced by me a short time ago. The change is consequent upon a suggestion from the Admiralty that the new Dreadought should be named ‘New Zealand,’ they at the same time expressing their willingness to change the nomenclature of the present cruiser of that name. The Government readily acquiesced in the suggestion, and the battleship given by this country is to be called, after our Dominion, ‘ New Zealand,’ which I think it will be agreed is most appropriate. Upon our recommendation it lias also been decided that the existing eruiser of that name is to be renamed the ‘ Maori.’ “ In connection with Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener’s visit to New Zealand I may mention that one part of the FieldMarshal’s report deals entirely with the fixed harbour defences of this Dominion, ami being of a confidential nature, it necessarily follows that it cannot be made public. I feel sure that the good results that will accrue from the FieldMarshal’s visit will be of a lasting benefit to this Dominion. However much we all deplore war we cannot close our eyes to the fact that every nation has, in recent years, been arming itself at a great rate, and has also been devoting itself to the all-important question of efficiency both on land and sea. We have a valuable possession in our charge, and consequently it is our duty to see that our own house is put in order with as little delay as possible. With this object in view I am confident the people of New Zealand will welcome the change from ■our previous condition, and assist m establishing a practical and efficient system of defence, in order that should the occasion arise we may have available a body of thoroughly trained and efficient men.

“Having regard to the fact that the defence system of the Dominion has been entirely changed, I feel it my duty to acknowledge the good work the men who have composed the volunteers in the past have accomplished. As indicating the keen interest that is being taken in the defences of our country, I may say that at the present time the numerical strength of the defence forces throughout the Dominion has never been so great, even during the time of the South African war, when admittedly the movement was abnormally active. The officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the volunteer forces of the past have given cheerfully a large part of their valuable time in the cause of defence. To one and all of them I tender on behalf of the country my warmest thanks for their I feel confident that the same spirit that has prompted them in their efforts in the past ■will continue, and that the territorial System will receive the generous support from such good material as will insure Its successful establishment and its jmooth working.”