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Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1045, 12 November 1903, Page 2

i The Premier, in moving the second reading of the Naval Defence Bill, said that under the agreement Australia would contribute £200,000 a year and New Zealand £40.000 to the maintenance of the Australian squadron, and tbo squadron would consist of 11 ships, four of which would be manned by Australians and'New Zealanders, paid at special rates. The first Co3t of the squadron would be two and ahalf millions, and the vessels would be manned by 2293 men, and the total annual maintenance cost on a 5 per cent, basis would be £519,000, of which, as he bad said, Australia and New Zealand only paid £240,000. There would be 925 Australians and New Zealanders employed on the ships at local rates, and there would be a Boyal naval reserve of 725 officers and men. Our present contribution was 6|d per head of tho population, and by this agreement it was increased to one shilling, as compared with about fifteen shillings at Home. He showed how America was I extending her naval power and how the ambitions of Kussia in the East had to be watched. Other nations were strengthening their navies, and it was necessary to maintain at the highest standard of efficiency the British navy, which had practically preserved the peace of the world. The agreement would remain in force for ten years. In time of peace one drill-ship and one other cruiser would be stationed in New Zealand waters, but notwithstand. ing the terms of the agreement, he under, stood it to be implied that if necessary arose the colony would have the assistance of the full strength of the British navy. He expected that under the new system the colony would in a few years have 2000 highly-trained men ready for service at moment’s notice.