Anniversary Address. 3 xli. 
Some, I know, say that there is no chance of New Zealand ever 
being attacked, and that she is therefore under no necessity to provide 
for her defence. If this be so, for what purpose do Volunteer forces 
exist throughout the country? The very maintenance of these avows 
a desire to be defended against external aggression. They do not, 
however, effect their object. I have endeavoured to show you how 
New Zealand may both aim at the object and effect it too. If she is 
not liable to attack, she does too much: if she is, she does too 
little. Let her settle fairly and logically what her aim is, and act 
accordingly. 
I have laid before you an outline of the principles which should 
guide the people in taking measures to place their country in a 
reasonable position for defence. New Zealand is happily united to 
the greatest maritime Power the world has ever seen, which, by her 
fleets and squadrons acting from her naval stations, protects the com- 
merce of the empire. The old “ Mother-country," as she is some- 
times called, cannot, however, do everything. Australasia must do 
her part. The neighbouring colonies are doing their duty in the 
matter; and I have no doubt that this Britain of the South will 
profit by their experience. 
Whilst money and energies are rightly employed in the develop- 
ment of the great internal resources of the country; whilst railway 
and harbour works are being constructed, and mines opened out; 
whilst large sums are spent—and justly spent—on the education of 
the youth of the country; whilst a portion of the revenue is applied 
to keeping peace within, it must not be forgotten that, unless proper 
precautions are taken, New Zealand remains open to attack from: 
without. 
I venture to urge the measures I have suggested, in order that 
the country itself may be secure; that it may take its share in 
Australasian defence; and that it may do its duty as a part of the 
British Empire; looking forward to the time when New Zealand may 
become—as I believe she is destined to become—a proud member of 
a mighty federation of British peoples—able to hold their own against 
the world. 
