BRITISH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9426, 23 April 1909, Page 5

BRITISH NAVY.

United Press Association.—By Elec trio Telegraph.—Copyright. London, April 22.

The Royal Colonial Institute adopted a resolution expressing grave concern at the Government’s disclosures regarding the Navy ; asking that the present year’s shipbuilding programme be augmented forthwith; thanking the Colonies for their gallant and spontaneous offers of battleships; and welcoming Mr Asquith's proposal for an Imperial Naval Conference.

Sir Josiali Symons strongly deprecated the condemnation of the Government’s policy implied in the resolution ;-declared that the Navy must be a floating bulwark c| the Empire, in the Pacific equally with the North Sea. He declared that Australia would pour onfc her treasure and blood tor its maintenance. Mr Asquith’s scggestion of the necessity for a continuous policy was likely to appeal deeply to Australians The resolution was passed with 13 dissentients. Received April 33, 8 20 a m. London, April 22. Colonel Meyiey Thompson, Lieu-tenant-General Hutton and General Gaselee' were amongst those present at|the Colonial Institute meeting. MR FISHER’S OFFER. Sydney, April 22. Speaking at Newcastle, Mr„Fisher, the Federal Premier, said he had pledged his party to offer Britain, in the event of trouble, not only a Dreadnought, but the whole- of the resources of the country.