THE BRITISH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9414, 7 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

CONSERVATIVE CAMPAIGN.

United Press Association. —By Eleo trio Telegraph.—Copyright. London, April 6.

The Opposition propose starting after the Easter recess on a national campaign to insist on the Government constructing the four contingent Dreadnoughts in 1909.

The Times declares that many Ministerialists deprecate the decision inasmuch as if Mr Asquith builds the contingent Dreadnoughts in 1909, after consulting Pari ament before the close of the sesaio the action may be attributed to agitation. They [credited Mr Asquith with the intention Of building eight from the outset as the compromise is considered one of form, and not of substance.

The idea is now suggested in connection with Sir Edward Grey’s warning regarding the rebuilding of the fleet that a portion of the capital expenditure should be withdrawn from the annual estimates aud a sinking fund established.

In course of a conversation with Captain Collins, the Commonwealth representative, Mr McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, expressed his hope to hear soon from the Commonwealth Government concerning its naval plans, and gave an assurance t|pt the Admiralty would cordially facilitate any feasible scheme the Government may favour. GERMAN DIRIGIBLES. Received April 7, 8.5 a.m. London, April 6. Mr Haldane said that Germany had constructed six dirigibles and was constructing six more.