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Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 424, 24 May 1902, Page 1

A despatch from London, dated April 24ti), states “In the House of Commons to-day the Secretary of the Admiralty, replying to a question, said the Admiralty was considering the whole matter of ship subsidies with a view of defining the rights of the Admiralty, in the event of contingencies arising such as suggested by the shipping combine. When the present form of agreement was settled upon, no trade complications under foreign control were contemplated, hut the Admiralty had appointed a committee to consider and report upon the purpose and form of future subsidy ngreemi nts. The Admiralty meantime had made arrangements with the White Star line which preclude the possibility of any of their armed cnrsers or merchant steamers being transferred to a foreign flag without the consent of the Admiralty during the unexpired portion of the Admiralty agreements. Important legal points were involved, including the question whether, in the event of war, there was anything to prevent companies from substituting a foreign for the British flag at short notice, and whether the Admiralty had the means of forcing its ights of pre-emption or hire in such a case, or if by abandoning the subsidies the companies could claim the rioht of subvention had ceased. All such questions would be carefully considered.” Captain Edwin wired'at 12.55 yesterday ; “ Moderate to strong westerly winds j glass rise,”