NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVIII, Issue 81918, 7 March 1907, Page 3

NAVAL ESTIMATES.

TWO POWER STANDARD MAIN TAJ NED. ;j M; (_ .. , t , IN TEIt E S TIK oTio Ml'A KIS 0N S. Received 6, 9.3 p.m. London, March G. Mr E. Robertson, cxp'a'ning the Naval Estimates, staled the Admirally belieyed tlio pres-mt programme would adequately maintain the two power standing. Russia, France and Germany together had added to their tonnage 1,1(IN,280 in a decade, while Britain added 1,132,205. The cost per ton to Britain was 88 pounds sterling, to liussia -I'U.'S, to Germany £'J7, and to France £l2l.

Received 0, 10 51 p.m. Lou lon, .VUivli 0. Mr Robertson showed that Britain's two power standard aould not be endangered for :i\ years. Mr Bailout 1 expressed a luijje that when the time of trial co-nes, llie Government would have the slreugtii and the courage to propose, ami the Commons the patriotism to support any sacrifice that may be required to make Britain safe against any combination of any two powers of the world.

lhese words were, very warmly cheered. Not the least emphatic cheers of assent emanated from the benches immediately behind the Government.

Mr Balfour at first thought Sir H Campbell-13,tuuerman was not amongst those cheering, and the Premier immediately corrected the impression aud emphasised regarding the proposals for lesser disarmauiehts, that Britain hud no sinister purpose, or desire to force any power to reduce arnurment.