MR FISHER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9421, 17 April 1909, Page 5

MR FISHER.

ON THE GIFT OF A DREAD- ; nou;ght., : United Press Association. —By Electric Telfißraoh. Copyright. Brisbane, April 16. Mr Fisher, replying to comments on his naval policy, said that if the people of the Commonwealth wanted the Government to present a Dreadnought tney would have to provide -another Government [to do it. His idea was that it would be far better for all concerned, if they spent, money on strengthening their own defences. He did not wish to say anytning aboift those people who desired to give a Dreadnought, but he declined to commit the Government to such a foolish act. Those who advocated giving a Dreadnought would have to go to the Mother -Country &nd ask her to provide the money to do it, 1 Oonid anything be more ridiculous? They simply declared to the world that they had neither the [money to build battleships. themselves nor had they the dockyards nor material for building them, and they, also had to admit they had neither the men to man them nor trained men to officer them. INVITATION TO LORD BERESFORD. Received April 17, 10.15 a.m. Melbourne. April 16. The State Treasurer proposes to suggest that Mr Fisher should invite Lord Charles Beresford to visit Australia to advise the Government as to naval requirements. Referring to the Times’ statement about placing Australian naval forces at the disposal of the Admiralty, he says that a few days ago proposals were made by cable to the Admiralty, setting out a basis of agreement for the control of the local navy. The publication of a portion of the proposals may indicate that the Admiralty had decided to accept them in that particular regard, but until the whole agree-, rnent was made public by the Admiralty he could not disclose the terms;