More Dreadnoughts.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4394, 3 April 1909, Page 2

More Dreadnoughts.

London, April 1. While the lion. R. B. Haldane, Minister of War, was speaking at Kensington, he, was interrupted by cries of “ more Dreadnoughts*” Earl Crewe (Secretary of State for the Colonies), speaking at Leicester, accused the Opposition of panic* mongering, and denied the rumours of Cabinet dissensions. He declared the Gove lament intended to keep ahead of Germany in ship-building, But, he continued, “To overbuild would be a blunder, almost a qrime, because if national arm* aments are excessive it will cause greater provocation iu other countries.” The Government had warmly accepted New Zealand’s offer of a “Dreadnought.” Herbert Samuel Under-Secretary of the Home Department), speaking at Lambeth said overybody realised England must outbuild foreign countries, and was determined to outbuild them.

The “ Daily Chronicle ” publishes a telegram stating Eurl Crewe’s thanks for Australian Dreadnought was premature. No such offer had been made. He adds that public opinion is more divided since last week, owing to the English Conservatives using crisis party purposes. Ottawa, April 1. The Hon. Whitney, Premier of Ontario Legislature, urges the Dominionito offer even two Dreadnoughts to Britain without delay. The Ottawa newspapers report that British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, . New Brunswick, are consideiing a joint contribution of a Dreadnought. A large scTtion of Canadian opinion is not satisfied with Sir Wilfred Laurier’s action in declaring for Canadian navy instead of offering a Dreadnought.