The British Navy.

Manawatu Herald, 21 March 1903, Page 2

The British Navy.

THE ESTIMATES, The House of Commons is discussing the Navy Estimates. Mr Arnold-Forster, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, said the magnitude of the Estimates was Unparalleled in peace or war. It was a distressing fact that competition among the nations continued to make enormous uproductive expenditure necessary. In explaining and justifying the Estimates, Mr Arnold-Forster emphasised the steady improvement in the navy due to the greater length of the guns and the increased efficiency of the powder. An amendment by Mr T. Gibson Bowles (Conservative member for King’s Lynn), seconded by Sir John Gorst (Cambridge University), in favour of reconsidering the new scheme of naval training, was negatived by 202 votes to 57. In the House of Commons, Mr Arnold-Forster, in reply to Mr Gilbert Parker said he was not aware that Canada had decided to c stablish a naval reserve independent of Imperial authority.

In the House of Commons Mr Labouchere’s amendment* to reduce the navy vote was negatived by 252 votes to 27. The main topic of the debate was Britain’s burden. It was generally agreed that Britain must await the offer of the colonies to contribute to the navy, and that it was impossible for the Motherhind to press them. The vote was agreed to.