THE BRITISH NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 171, 10 July 1908, Page 3

THE BRITISH NAVY.

VJKTY DUTEREXCES. terminating xue scandal. Loudon, July S. The Standard stales that Lord liercslord inquired why Admiral Scott disobeyed 3ub signal and was informed that it wigut have been dangerous to <K> so. Admiral Bercsford signalled that it was quite correct to disobey in the circumstances. _ It is generally hoped that this invident will lead to a rewnSiiation and terminate the present naval seaudal.

AUSTRALIANS' UNREASONAIDLENESS. Sydney, July 9At the annual meeting of the Pastoralists' Union the president, Mr. Abbott, condemned the action of tne Federal Government in relation to Imperial defence. He said:

-With all the effrontery of the Sturdy beggar, who at the same time half-" a beggar, half a bully, and all i toward, our Prime Miuistor, who has been elected to represent Australia, i>y virtue of cur munificent contribution of a shilliug per head per annum, claims the right to say where the ships of .the British sCavy shall be placed in ease of war, and threatens the withdrawal of our contribution if his demands are not complied with. ''The positioh is untenable, and when fbe iiritish taxpayer reah&s how he is being used and fluoted, the resun wisl >e disastrous to us or those coming After us."

THE ALLEGED DISSENSIONS. (X)»ERNAIEXT HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THEM. Received 10th, a.m. • *- London, Jniv Replying to Mr. Bellairs, the PreunT (Mr. H. U. Asquiiri) *ud that apart from unveriaed rumors, tne Government had no knowledge ot the alleged dissensions among the senior naval of- ! ticers. If they discovered the existence of a state of things in auy way detrimental to discipline ov the Mnooth working of the fleet, the Government would not hesitate to take jmrnipt ana effective, action. The direction of tne naval policy rested with the Government. It was a naval officer's duty on active serviecTnot to discuas or criticise matters in connection with the service.