NO AUSTRALIAN GIFT SHIP.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 464, 24 March 1909, Page 9

NO AUSTRALIAN GIFT SHIP.

MR. FIBHER'S "BETTER WAY." THE DOMINION'S CIRCUMSTANCES NOT THE SAME. Melbourne, March 23. Mr. Fisher, Federal Prime Minister (who has expressed the opinion that Australia's best way to assist the Motherland is by improved local defence), thinks the methods' he intends to suggest in connection with naval niattere will better serve the purpose at which all arc aiming than the presentation of a battleship. Referring to New Zealand's action, ho remarked: "Tho circumstances of the Dominion are not the same as ours. For all practical purposes the Dominion is relying implicitly upon the Imperial Navy. 'She does not contemplate the establishment of a navy of her own, as wo do." The Lord Mayor, in acceding to a request by a deputation to call a meeting with reference to the naval question, declared that Australia would not permit herself to bo ontdone by New Zealand. ,

A MERE SPECTACULAR SPASM. A POLICY WANTED. . MR. FISHER'S IMPERIALISM. (Rcc. March 23, 11.17 p.m.) Melbourne, March 23. . Tlio Federal Government has definitely decided not to offer a Dreadnought to theBritish Government. The Primo Minister, Mr. Fisher, made the announcement after a meeting of the Cabinet. He stated that the Cabinet had agreed to the action he had already taken, and added that in spite of his previous nebulous statement —to the effect that the Government "quite apprccjatwl the idea' , —ho hail never had any intention of adopting the Dreadnought suggestion. Won before the scare brolcn out he hnd intimated to the Governor-General (Lord Dudley) that ill the event of an emergency the resources of the Commonwealth would be immediately'placed at the disposal of Britain. . Whether thia intimation had been-transmitted to. the Imperial authorities

lii] did not know. The 'Imperial , Government know our sympathy was so much with it that it was unnecessary to make any special-eqm-liinnication at present.

\t must Ijc remembered, continued Mr. Fisher, t-hnii the presentation of a Dreadnought to Britain would not bo n matter of policy but a t incro spasmodic action'.and Kpeelnniilar displny. Theorily mennis to meet iiny' danger to tho Empire would bo by the adoption of n steady, persistent, and determined policy for tho defenco of Australia, combined with readiness to assist tho Mother Country in tho event of an emergency. It was « matter of indifferenco to tho Government whether its refusal to [jlyo a. Dreadnought was misunderstood or misinterpreted. .. ' .

STATE PREMIERS' VIEWS. "MUSIC II ALL PATRIOTISM"' AND PANIC SCHEMES. Brisbane, March. 23. Tho Queensland Premier, Mr. Kidston, declared that he would ho ashamed to associate himself with such n panic proposal na tho presenting of a Dreadnought. lie-had no sort of sympathy with music-hal) patriotism or feverish action. If. necessary,. let Great Britain float a loan for naval-construc-tion, hut whatever was done,-let it bo-done with cool judgment. . ..;■-,. Melbourne, March 23. Mr. Murray, Premier of Victoria, speaking on defence matters, said ho was not apprehensive- thai Germany and Britain were coing to fight. The German was a peace-lov-ing fellow, who did not go about "looking; for stoiish." He would like to eeo neither country misled into a fit of trr.r hysteria. However, when the occasion ' arose-, the Mother Country was entitled to have from Austialia tho last man and tho last penny in defence of tho Empire.' '.'.". . '. "•' .....

EMPLOYERS FAVOURABLE. , (Rcc. March 23, 0.55 p.in. V Melbourne, March. 23. Tho Chamber of Commerce .nudtlio,.Employers' Federation havo adopted resolutioiW in favour of the gift of a Dreadnought by Australia to the Motherland. ' NEW ZEALAND'S OFFER. RECEPTION OF THE NEWS IN L'ONDON. London, 22. ] All tho nowspapors aro placarding' the report sent by Iteuter's Agency of the New Zealand offer of a Dreadnought and of another if necessary. ■ '■ ;> Tho "Pall Mall Gazette" declares: "This is a magnificent offer and should act as a stimulant to the Mother Country to place patriotism beforo party." THREE PRIVATE DONORS. AN OFFER OF £10,000 EACH. Sydney, March 23. At a private dinner given to Sir Harry Rawson, who is retiring from tho Governorship of this State, three Sydney gontlomon promised £10,000 each if a Dreadnought fund Rds opened, ~ . . i' •■ The Lord Alayors of Sydney., and Melbourne, acting in . concert, are arranging public meotings, with a view to forwarding the Dreadnought presentation idea. They, are also communicating with tjio Mayors of the other State capitals with a View, to simi-. lar action. . . . ,

"newspaper opinions. . ■ Sydney, March 23. ■The "Sydney Morning "Herald,", after referring to the evidences on , i>ll sides/ expressed through every available ■ channel, of th'o readiness of the groat, majority of Australians to commit themselves to some considerable sacrifice in order to assist. th« Country in what they regard *s a groat difficulty, s*ye: "It is the plain duty ef our statesmen to assist or compel Mr. Fisher to devise a plan which,.willj.enable Australia to rival the generosity of. No.w,;Z«.ft)|ind,.-ahd. do her share in what bVtk«' cause of pence, as well as-our safety;"-'•"• '■• Tho "Daily Telegraph" declares that New Zealand's offer is a significant hint to the world at. largo that the oversea dominions will not bo content with lip loyalty. "There cm be no question, it may be hoped,-' •■ that Australia's responso will. be equally.: emphatic." ■ ,■■-. " v ' ;;

THE REFUSAL DOES NOT CHECK THE DEMAND. ATTITUDE IN MELBOURNE. ,A. (Rec.< March , ' 24, 0.40 a.m.) ■ , Melbourne, March 23;' Despite tho. Federal Government's' rtttitude, the proposed gift of a Dreadnought continues to receive, enthusiastic public support. New Zealand's action has roused a strong spirit of emulation. It is described as a dazzling, example- of loyalty to British freedom, of splendid patriotism, and of !«•- sceiiig statesmanship. - • • . •■ SUBSCRIPTION OPENED IN SYDNEY. , TROMISED-£St,,OW. .; .' (Rec. March 24, 1.30 'a;ir,.) ■ _ ' Sydnoj-, March 23/ ■■ The Lord Mayor has opened' a Dreadnought fund, heading it .himself with a donation of £1000. ■••■:•■■ Mr. Anthony Hordern has promised' £10,000 towards the first Dreadnought, and a further £10,000 if a second is required. A leading city club gives £6000. Altogether over £55,000 lias been subscribed or promised within 24-hours. : " ■