AUSTRALIA'S FIGHTING SHIPS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1845, 3 September 1913, Page 7

AUSTRALIA'S FIGHTING SHIPS.

"■ • $ FLAGSHIP AND ESCORT AT , DURBAN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Durban, September 1. The Australian warships wero warmly welcomed' here. Two hundred of the crow of tho flagship Australia were marched through the streeds, headed Uy their band, Tho Mayor entertained tilio officers at luncheon. Complimentary speeches wero made. . The press has complimentary references. The "Natal Advertiser" says that tho visit of tho warships brings homo to everyone tho fact that Australia is in deadly earnest regarding the matter of liavali defence, whilo South Africa is still trifling with tho question, though every consideration urges her to follow tho example of Australia. (Rec. September 3, 0.35 a.m.) Durban, Soptember 2. To-day is school children's day on the warships. Besides tl>.? local schools, over a thousand children from the upcountry schools visited tho flagship Australia. It was noticeable that thero was a large attendance of Dutch children, from the extreme north of Natal. One party, from Paulpietcrsburg, trekked 30 miles to tho railway, and then traveUed 250 miles by train. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE NAVY. Johannesburg, September L , Router's Agency has been authorised to deny that the Union Government intends to provide an increased contribution for the Navy by abolisliing British preference. The Government has not discussed the subject.