THE BRITISH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9411, 3 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

United Press Association— By Elec- . trio Telegraph—CopyrightLondon, April 2. The Times says that Mr Fisher’s •programme shows that the Commonwealth and Canada are in line regarding naval policy, and there is also a parallel movement in both oonnferies ■in favour of following New Zealand’s precedent. If these gifts are decided upon they will be welcomed ■with pride and gratitude in no way as detracting from the burden which •Britain is fnlly competent and deterunined to bear, bnt as a proof of the determination to uphold Britain’s ;resolve to maintain the supremacy of •the sea. Future interest, however, will centre in the local naval service which Australia and Canada are preparing to develop. The Times recalls Mr Balfour’s speech on Mr Oox’s amendment to the Address-in-Reply in February, 1907, as a classic exposition of British Imperialism. Three hundred and fifty members of the House of Commons signed a memorial of thanks to New Zealand. The Times correspondent at Sydney cables “There seems to be a mistake in supposing that New South Wales and Victoria have offered a Dreadnought. No offer was made. ’’ The correspondent adds: “The nearest approach is New South Wales’ suggestion that if the Commonwealth offers a ship New South Wales will pay her share. The Englisb speeches and comments were based on Reuter’s telegram of March 30th, definitely announcing that Messrs Wade and Murray had decided to offer a Dreadnought, and asking the other States ot co-operate. A meeting of the British Labour Party resolved to congratulate Mr Fisher on declining to be a party to ■ a panic engineered for political purposes.

The Morning Post, commenting on the Labourites' resolution, says it displays an extraordinary ignorance cf the motives actuating the Commonwealth Government. Australia will no doubt attach the same importance to it as to the pro-Boer vaponrings. The Manitoba Government has decided not to offer a Dreadnought on the grounds that the Dominion is the proper body to act, AN AUSTRALIAN DREADNOUGHT. Sydney, April 3. The New Sooth Wales and Victorian Cabinets have agreed that failing the Commonwealth offering a Dreadnought, New South Wales and Victoria will combine to present one. AUSTRALIAN OPINION. Sydney, April 3. Mr Hughes, replying to the attack on Mr Maher’s policy, declared'that the bulk of those crying out for Dreadnoughts were doing so for no other reason than to dish the Labour Party. They were not so much afraid of an attack on Britain as an attack on monopoly. The Herald, in an appreciative article on the decision to present a Dreadnought, says that probably the other States will be compelled by public opinion to follow the lead of New booth Wales and Victoria. The Lord Mayor decided that the people’s Dreadnought shall go on. SOUTH AFRICAN OPINION. Pretoria, April 2. The Hon. J. de Villiers, AttorneyGeneral of the Transvaal, in the Assembly, referring to the suggestion of the offer of a Dreadnought to the Imperial Government, said his opinion was that the best present would he a united community. Any Euro- ' peau race imagining that in the event of a European war they might look for help to a portion of the inhabitants of South Africa would be much mistaken. South Africa would stand as one man with the Empire. London, April 2. Several speakers in the Canadian House of Commons suggested that a shipyard large enough to build Dreadnoughts should be established. NAVY LEAGUE ACTIVE. Received April 8, 9.0 a.m. The Navy League has already arranged 34 meetings in large provincial towns. THE CLARION SPEAKS OUT. Robert Blatohford in the Clarion nhlisbes a strong article advocating powerful fleet, and a perfect army. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INVASION. As a precaution in the event of an - invasion, the War Office has arranged to*Bocure at any time 2000 taxicabs in London for the transport of 10,000 troops to the coast, THE LABOUR PROTEST. Received April 3, 8.30 a.m. Loudon, April 2. The Pall Mall Gazette is amazed' that the Labour Party in the House of Commons should go out of their way to protest against somebody else offering to help to ensure the ooun--try’s protection.