DOMINION DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2505, 19 May 1909, Page 4

DOMINION DEFENCE.

DISCUSSED IN THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. , At the meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council last night, Cr. Kirk moved—“ That in view or the necessity for a more efficient system of land defence m the Dominion, and in view of the fact that an Imperial Conference on the question of defence is shortly to be held, to be attended by a. representative of New Zealand, His Worship the Mayor at a convenient early date call a public meeting to ascertain definitely- public feeling on the question of defence in this district.” He said that the matter was a most important one, and they should take immediate steps as was being done in other centres of ascertaining the public feeling on question. Sir Joseph Ward was goufifP®* Home to a conference on the matter, and it was advisable that he should go backed up by public opinion. Cr. Collins said that the movement was an excellent one, but he -wondered if it came in the province of the Council. If it was. he had no doubt that he would have the unanimous apport of the Council. Cr. Clayton said that he was in accord with the motion, but he thought that it would mean that the Council would be entering into politics. . As a private citizen he was entirely in accord with the suggestion, but_ as a Councillor he must vote against it. Cr. Somervell also expressed his sympathy with the motion. He saw no reason why Councillors, as .•such, snouiu. be debarred from a suing the Mayor to call such a meeting. He thought it was their dutv to <*o such a thingCr. Pettie said that .the Council would be hilly justified in supporting the Mayor in calling tue meet nig. C'r. Harris also supported the motion, which was carried. ■