THE AMERICAN FLEET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 214, 3 September 1908, Page 2

THE AMERICAN FLEET.

THE ILLUMINATIONS SPOILT BY HAD*.

jjj Melbourne, September 2. Kain spoiled the illumination* at nigiit. Large crowds, however, braved Mie elements.

A football match for tie championship of the fleet between teams representing the Minnesota and the Ke> tucky resulted in a draw.

A LESSON FOR AUSTRALIA. : Melbourne, September 2. The Fwderal Premier, Mr. A. Deakia, speaking at a dinner given by the Yacht Club to the American officers* said: "Australians for the first time iiavc seen a fleet of battleships. Tiey. will do well to study the policy that* is behind these men and guns. Australians cannot be content to accept defence ultimately at any other handsthan their own."

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PACIFIC. STRENGTHENING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION. SPEECH BY ADMIRAL SPERRY. ' """" .-Mil Received 2, midnight. Melbourne, Last Night. The rough and rainy weather con« tinues.

Admiral Sperry, replying to an acV dress from the Metropolitan Board of Works, said the opportunity of making the acquaintance of Australia was in the interest of the development of the Pacific territories belonging to the two Powers. The stronger Australia made' the lines of communication, not only with 'Frisco but with Vancouver, the more secure would be her position. Not only would Australia by this route come closer to her sister in the Empire of the great Dominion of Canada, but therein was the route to the great ami essential neutral power. The route was so removed geographically from assault and so secure that it had a double interest in respect to developing it, be- | cause it would give and secure a road to the Home country, and the shortest' at that. ,L*ffltt