THE COMMONWEALTH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9394, 15 March 1909, Page 5

THE COMMONWEALTH NAVY.

THREE DESTROYERS ORDERED , Per Press Association'— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright * Melbourne, March 13. The Minister for’ Defence announced that the Government had accepted the tenders of Denny Bros. (Dumbarton) aud the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company (Glasgow) for the construction of two destroyers of the river class. The cost is £8,500 each, including armament, the destroyers to he delivered in England. The Minister said the Government had also accepted a tender for a.third destroyer, including armament, at a cost of £72,500. The first vessel is to be completed'in fourteen months, the second in fifteen months, and the material for the third is to be ready withia twelve months from the date of signing the contract. The completed destroyers are, to voyage to Australia under their own j steam.

The successful firms agree to employ not less than twelve or more than twenty Australians selected and sent to England by the Commonwealth to assist in the construction of the vessels.