AUSTRALIAN NAVAL DEFENCE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 August 1901, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN NAVAL DEFENCE.

(by electric telegraph—copyright.)

(pee press association)

Melbourne, August 17.

Tho Admiral further expresses an opinion that such of the Colonial Navy scheme as is beyond the powers of the Commonwealth at outset might follow. Therefore such force can only be acquired and maintained by aiTpu."'“'"" , '^s

with the Imperial Government. If this course is followed it will obtain the greatest good at the smallest cost. He does not fa.vour naval reserves or state naval forces which experience has shown cannot be utilised in a manner to commensurate with the •• except within too narrow limits. The future may see the creation of a Colonial Navy to be formed out of existing naval organisation. Permanent forces as the neucleus of a Naval Defence is not sufficient unless it is only intended to supplement the crews of His Majesty’s ships.

THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.]

London, August 17. The editor and publisher of the Globe appeared before the bar of the House of Commons and apologised and withdrew the charges made in that paper. The Speaker reprimanded him. The Pacific Cable Bill was read a third time in the House of Lords.

Sir M Hicks-Beaeh explained in the House of Commans that the first instalment of the cable contract fell due and was paid before ho was able to submit it to Parliament owing to the congestion in the business of the session. Lord Hamilton in i.’ne House of Lords presented his Indian Fludget, which is the most satisfactory on 'record.

India by her unaided resources had met a three years’ famine, the expenditure amounting to £15,000,000. The surpluses were large, continuous and progressive. On the whole the position was one of prosperity. The deficiency, which was estimated in April at £826,000, had been transferred into a surplus of £1,671,000. Parliament was prorogued yesterday.

The speech from the Throne declared that Great Britain’s foreign relations were friendly. The o oening of the Parliament of the Australia n Comm ja wealth by the Heir to the Thron e was an event of wide signifi canca and deep interest and added that the enthusiastic welcome that the Cornwalls received in every colony is an additional proof of the patriotism, loyalty and devotion of the people of my dominions over-sea.