THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2114, 24 June 1907, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON

COMAIONAVEALTH SUBSIDY

United Press Association —Cop/right SYDNEY, June 22. Speaking at the laying of the foum dation stone of the Koval Nava) House, the Minister of Education said he hoped the Commonwealth would not abolish the naval subsidy He thought an Australian navy migli. some day be built, but as the Admira) had said, for training purposes. Tin idea of an Australian navy for purely defensive purpose: was not to be entertained at all. This was the opinion of the State Government, and he believed of Parliament- and the people. 'Sir Jas. Fairfax said it was tlie desire of the people that- the fleet should remain in Australian waters.

PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND. SYDNEY June 22. Air. Reid, at the annual meeting of the Seamen’s Alission, whereat tilt Admiral was present, declared he was getting anxious about tlie fleet. Ht read with pride Sir Ward’s expressions on the matter. New Zealand was a very little part of Australasia, but since Federation in regard to any great phase of public questions -which touched Imperial instinct: it had always been not the Premiei of Australia but the Premier of New Zealand who led the way. Sir Joseph Ward was leading the way again, he said, in effect he was not going tc tear up the naval agreement. Air. Reid favored an Australian navy, but would begin on a small scale, and until they got it he would go on.paying tlie subsidy. He concluded: ‘,So fai as my influence as a- public man goes. I stand by the side of the Premier ol New Zealand, and see that- there is no hand that’ will tear up tlie agree-, ment between t-lio Alotlier Country and ourselves We might yet feel ashamed and say we would give a little more.”