Australia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 28, 1 October 1915, Page 5

Australia

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY. LAUNCH OF THE BRISBANE. [United Press Association.] Sydney, September 30. In the presence of Sir 11. MunroFerguson (Governor-General) and Sir Gerald Strickland (Governor of New South Wales), also naval, military, and parliamentary leaders, and a big and enthusiastic crowd, the cruiser Brisbane was launched to-day from Cockatoo Dock. Mrs Andrew Fisher, in performing the christening, wished the Brisbane.success, and opportunities to win new honors for Australia and the King's Navy. As the cruiser took the water -sou-venir-hunters in launches got in her way, and Were almost run down. To avoid collision the Brisbane's anchors were not dropped, and she drifted until her stern stuck in the mud. The services of three tugs were required to draw her off. She was undamaged. The Brisbane is the largest vessel ever launched in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the first cruiser built by anv of the British dependencies.

At: the officiajl luncheon, Mr Fisher claimed that thfe| policy of: the(Ausiplian Navy hadj' fully justified itself. The Sydney's exploit of .sinking the Emden had brought into existence the name of Australia as a minor power in a way no, other nation in the world could have done. "We have made a good beginning for a navy," he said, "but we have to go much farther." Mr Hughes said Australia must continue launching ships, whether she liked it or not., The great problem of the future must be sought in the Pacific. He hoped this would be the last war, but they must prepare for eventualities. He was sure those present would live to see a squadron made up of Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand .ships. The Governor-General declared that the construction of an Australian Nav y had been a triumph of policy. It was a compliment to, the British fleet, which was one bf the main securities of the peace of'the world. OPPOSITION TO CONSCRIPTION. [United Press Association.] (Received 8.45 a.m.) Sydney, October 1. The Labor Council opposes any form of compulsory service of life, health, and limb that does not first of all bring wealth under conscription. The Council resolved: "That as the British Government did noT deem it advisable to introduce conscription, we see no reason for the action of the Universal Service League advocating the adoption of conscription in Australia." OBJECTIONS TO ENEMY SUBJECTS. . j [United Presb Association.] Received 8.45 a.m.) Melbourne, October 1. The Patriotic League formed a demonstration in the Town Hall and pledged severe dealings against intercourse with enemy subjects.