AUSTRALIAN NAVAL ESTIMATES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 311, 25 September 1920, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN NAVAL ESTIMATES

FRAMED WITH VIEW TO REDUCING PUBLIC INDEBTEDNESS.

(Roe. September 21, 7.20. p.m.) Melbourne, September 21. The Naval J&tinmtes have been framed with a view to reducing the Coraonwonlfch indebtedness. Therefore it is proposed by the end of .Tune next to reduco the personnel from GG2S. to ■1G51; but it is intended to provide a reserve of tho complete ratings 'required to fully man the fleet. Steps have been "taken also to build up an adequate reserve of ammunition, oil fuel, and coal, as soon as funds are available. Aerial co-operation with tho fleet; is considered to be of the first importance, and provision is made tl'"i'pfor. .Tim arming of merchant vessels in time of war is provided for. Tho Mi'iister pointed out tho schemowas not regarded as in any way adequate for tho defence of the country. It was merely the auicleus of a. fleet on a local defence- basis, expandable when circumfitanccs permitted. Meantime, tho country must rely on tho British Navy. Tho Treasurer stated that the war expenditure for tho current year would lie 'J33,«G,01i0, A sum of .<M2,G!)G„ r )00 was owing to tho British Government in respect of tho active conduct of the war. Ttio' votiil amount required for soldier settlements, was ostium fed at fifty million*.—Press Amis-