LORD KITCHENER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2704, 7 January 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER.

SYDNEY ALWAYS A NAVAL BASE. United Press Association— Copyright. SYDNEY, Jan. 6. The Town Hall banquet wag a brilliant function. The principal speakers were the Minister of Defence and Sir G. H. Reid, the High Commissioner. The former said the object of Lord Kitchener’s "visit was “to formulate a scheme of defence to enable us to hold the continent for ourselves and for the Empire.” He paid a compliment to Lord Kitchener’s diplomacy. He had prevented as much war as he had successfully undertaken for the defence of the Empire. Lord Kitchener, in a brief reply, said he had been struck by the magnificent harbor and its value as a naval base. It was on the navy they must rely in the first instance to frustrate the designs of an enemy on an isolated' portion of territory and to keep open communication with other parts of the world. Whatever changes might occur, Sydney would always remain a naval base of first importance, but it was essential that it must he safe from attack. Complete security was only obtainable by efficient fixed defences, supported by a mobile, efficient land force.. It "was entirely fortunate that the natural features of the country round Sydney greatly facilitated the steps that had been taken for the effective defence of the harbor.