FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1553, 8 September 1905, Page 2

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

MISREPRESENTATION OF AUSTRALIA. PROPOSED INCREASED CONTRIBUTION TO NAVY. By telegraph, Presa Aai’n, Copyright Received 11.55 p.m.. Sept. 7. Melbourne, Sept. 7. Mr Mahon moved that owing to persistent misrepresentation of Australia abroad, and pending the appointment of a High Commissioner, Mr Deakin confer with the Agenta-General for devising a more effective method of placing before the people of the United Kingdom unbiassed particulars of Australian legislation and resources. The debate was adj'ourned for a fortnight. Mr Kelly moved that whereas command of the seas in time of war is essential to the security of the Empire’s vast interests on and beyond the seas, and the oommand cannot bo assured by a separate squadron aoting independently, and whereas the United Kingdom sooner or later will be unable to continue to make sufficient provision against the rapidly-increasing naval armaments of foreign Powers, that the Commonwealth’s contribution to the Imperial navy be doubled. Ho emphasised that Australia’s only hope against an enemy was if the enemy ,was sought out near his base and destroyed, instead of trusting to repelling an attack on our own coasts. This would only be done by the Imperial navy acting as a whole. The position had become more aoute by the creating of a new first-class naval Power in the Far East. The moment the people of Australia had both sides of the question put before them, they would decide to contribute to the Imperial navy in preference to starting a purely Australian navy. The debate was adjourned.