NAVAL ARMAMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 478, 10 April 1909, Page 5

NAVAL ARMAMENTS.

DESTROYERS. COMPARISON WITH CERMAN CRAFT. MORE FRICTION REPORTED. (BY TBLEQIiADI—ntESS ASSOCIATION—ComtIGnT.) (Hoc. April 8, 10.50 p.m.) London, April 8. The fact that constant meetings of the Cabinet aro being held has given, currency to rumours that further friction has occurred among members of the Cabinet over the Budget. A discursive debate preceded Parliament's adjournment till April 19. A vain appeal was made to the Government to enable Parliament to present a united front by an assurance of eight Dreadnoughts being begun at the earliest possible date (instead of four certain and four conditional). In reply to Mr. J. Grotton (Unionist), tho First" Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. M'Kenna, admitted that Germany, during the past fivo years, had made provision for 50 and Britain for 49 destroyers.' Of these, only four of Britain's wore complete and ready for sea, compared with 30 completed by Germany. Mr. M'Kenna added that, on the other hand, Britain had ordered 36 Eo-called coastal destroyers', which were now armed as firstclass torpedoers,; of which class 30 had been delivered. AUSTRIAN DREADNOUGHTS. (Rec. April-8, 11.5 p.m.) Vienna, April 8. ■ The Vienna newspaper " Zeit" states that Austria-Hungary will build four Dreadnoughts, which will be completed in 1912 COLONIAL GIFT-SHIPS. (Rec. April 8, 11.5 p.m.) ' London, April 8. The Council of. the Royal Colonial Institute unanimously adopted a resolution expressing warm admiration of the generous offers of the oversea Dominions to co-operate ■with the Motherland in the naval defence of the Empire. (Rec. Apr.il 9, ,4.15 p.m.) London, April 8. Mr, Rason, who is retiring from the Agency-General of West Australia, in an interview, ' said he would not bo surprised if West Australia joined New South Wales and Victoria in offering a Dreadnought to Britain. Australia's intention was that the battleship should supplement whatever programme the Imperial Government, thought necessary, and thus make safety doubly sure. - London, April 7. Several Australians in London suggest that if a public subscription for a Dreadnought is started in Australia facilities should be afforded to Anglo-Australians to join in the movement. . v .' ..