The British Navy.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4389, 23 March 1909, Page 2

The British Navy.

NEW ZEALAND OFFERS A BATTLESHIP. j In an interview with a repiesen'a tivo of the Star the Prime Minis er states thatunamity on b *th sides in the recent debate in the British House of Commons disclosed in regard to the gravity of the situation between the Motherland and Germany in the Far The Daval assendency concerned, cannot be mis-interpreted. No room is left to doubt that England feels ■ her supremacy of the seas is now seriously threatened by the amaxing naval activity in the German dockyards. It appears clear to thoughtful men, that Great Britain recognises the Empire must set itself with the utmost determination necessary to make the sacrifice to maintain a naval supremacy, which j is not only an honour, but a national greatness, Itdepends on the burden lying on the British nation for the naval expenditure at present is so enormous that every loyal subject of the crown, must feel at this time a crisis in which he called upon to help the Motherland more than in words. The Prime Minister said under the circumstance the, Government of New Zealand felt its obligation to assist the Motherland. At the Cabinet meeting this morning it was unanimously agreed, on the Primp Minister’s proposal, that this conntrv offer

to defray the cost of a first-class battleship. W*. Islington, March 22. The N. Z Government has decided to otter to defray the cost of the immediate building and arming of ope first-olass battleship of the latest type, and if subsequent events show it to be necessary, also to provide the cost of a second warship of the same type, London, March 21. The Manchester Guardian states that Germany has pushed hor shipbuilding programme ahead purely to help the unemployed. Newspapers are giving prominence to the suggested gift of a Dreadnought by Australia, Expressing pleasure at the patriotic thought which prompted the suggestion. It would s om says the Wanganui Chronio’e) that unemployed men aie hard to please. Although two shillings »n hour a e being offered to men to shovel sand from the steamers Charles Edward very few applicants have come forward. We understand that the “ unemployed ” are of opinion that they should receive 5s aa hour, J