THE NAVY

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 531, 26 September 1902, Page 2

THE NAVY

AN AUSTRALASIAN SQUADRON. NEW ZEALAND TO CONTRIBUTE ONE-TWELFTH COST. By Telegraph—Press Assooiation—Copyright Melbourne, Sopt. 25. Mr Deakin stated that he saw no reason why such information as he had respecting the Imperial Conference Bhould not b; mado public, With regard to the military defenoo, the proposal submitted by tho Imperial Government was to croato a militia reserve for the service outside of Australia in case of emergency, but only with the consent of tho Federal Government. That proposition appeared to bo wholly withdrawn. In regard to naval defence, the proposals submitted wore for a now squadron and reserve force, to bo subsidised by Australia and New Zealand to the extent of £467,000. Tho proposal was withdrawn, and the later proposal was ta repeal the present Subsidy Act, and submit a now schedule, half tho cost being borne by tho Admiralty, fivetwelfths by Australia, and one-twelfth by New Zealand. Under this Australia pays £200,000. The total cost, however, did not distinctly appear. There would bo a smaller number of vessels, but a greater tonnage, and much increased speed was intended for one of the cruisers. Three of the existing auxiliary squadron should be manned by Australian sailors paid at special rates and enrolled on tho basis of the population of the States. Two of these would be for Australasia and one for New Zealand. Australasia would have eight nominations of cadetships and New Zealand in proportion. The Cabinet will shorly consider the question, and, if adopted, a Bill will be submitted to Parliament.