On Tuesday the discussion of the Navy Estimates was re-
sumed. The most important point raised was the question of Colonial contributions, several speakers agreeing with Mr. Robertson that the Colonies ought to recognise their moral obli- gation to contribute. Mr. Arnold-Forster, we are sorry to see, though he of course repudiated all idea of putting undue pressure on the Colonies, declared that the position was very serious, and that the persistent apathy of the Colonies in this matter was likely to have a serious result. We entirely object to this way of looking at the question, and believe that far more serious results are likely to ensue from attempts to shame or cajole the Colonies into Admiralty contributions. Until the Colonies are far more populous and far richer than they are at present it is not fair to expect them to pay ship-money. And when they do pay it in large amounts they will naturally expect to have a voice in policy. But for this things are by no means ripe.
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