THE NAVAL CRISIS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 27 March 1909, Page 2

THE NAVAL CRISIS.

The following cablegrams have been received by Sir Joseph Ward, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies through His Excellency the Governor :

“In further reply to your telegram of 22nd' inst., I desire you to express to Sir Joseph Ward and to your Government in the warmest terms the feeling of appreciation and gratitude with which His Majesty’s Government have received the offer so generously and patriotically made. In view of the uncertainty that exists as to the character and extent of the demand which may be made on the national resources in the following year, the offer of the Government of New Zealand to bear in the cost of providing one first-class battleship of the latest type, . and of a second of the same type should subsequent events show it to be necessary, is most gratefully. accepted by His Majesty’s Government. Your Government will doubtless understand that it, is impossible to cuter into details by telegram, but you Vvill receive at an early dale full communication by despatch, ns His Majesty’s Government desiics to consult with the Government of New Zealand as to time it may become appropriate to give effect to their public spirited proposal so far as the coming financial year is concerned, the pioviidons and powers for which sanction is being asked in the naval estimates now before Parliament affords ample security.’’

MESSAGE FROM THE KING.

“I am commanded by His Majesty the King to inform you that His Majesty is deeply gratified by the patriotic feeling displayed by New Zealand towards the Mother Country in their splendid offer, and to convey at once his gratitude and high appreciation for the fine patriotism and generosity shown in the magnificient offer so promptly made and spontaneously.”