THE BRITISH NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 59, 3 April 1909, Page 2

THE BRITISH NAVY.

CABLE NEWS (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

COMMONWEALTH AND CA-NADA'S NAVAL POLICY. FOLLOWING THE NEW ZEALAND PRECEDENT. Received 'l, 10.40 p.m. Loudon, April 2. The Times says that Mr. Fisher's programme show* that the Commonwealth and Canada are in line in their naval policy, while there is a Im> a parallel movement in both countries in favor of following New Zealand's precedent. It these giftn were decided upon they would be welcomed with pride and gratitude. not as detracting from the burden which Britain was fully competent and determined to bear, but as proof of upholding Britain's resolve to maintain supiTiuuey on sea. In future, however, interest would centre in the local naval . services which Aiwtrnlia and Canada were preparing to develop. The l imes recalls' Mr. Balfour's Bpeecli in reply to Mr. Cox's amendment address in February, IIKI7, as a classic exposition of British ImperialismDISCORDANT LABORITES. • EXTRAORDINARY IGNORANCE." Received 2, 10.20 p.m. London, April 2. A meeting of the Lalior Party resolved to congratulate Mr. Fisher on declin--1 nig to be a party to a panic engineered for political purposes. The Morning Post, commenting on the Libborites' resolution, states that they arc smarting under the (severe enstigation administered at Croyden. Their resolution, the paper adds, displays extraordinary ignorance of the motive actuating the Commonwealth Government. Australia would doubtless attach the same importance to it ae they did to the proBoer vaporings. NEW ZEALAND'S ACTION ACKNOWLEDGED BY COMMONERS. Received 2, 10.20 p.m. London, April 2. Three hundred and fifty members of tlie House of Commons nave signed » memorial of thanks to New Zealand for ito gift of a Dreadnought and its promise of a second if necesasry. MEETINGS IN ENGLAND. London, April 1. Mr. Haldane, Secretary 01 State for War, speaking at Kensington, was interrupted by cries for "more Dreadnoughts." Earl Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies, speaking at Leicester, accused the Opposition of "panic mongerlag," and denied that d'msentions existed amongst the members of the Cabinet. 11« declared that the Government intended to keep ahead of Germany in shipbuilding, but that to overbuild would be a blunder almost amounting to a crime, because if the national armament were excessive they would cause a greater .provocation to other countries. The Government warmly accepted the colonies' oilers of Dreadnoughts. Mr. Herbert L. Samuel, Under-Secre-tary of State for the Home Department, speaking at Lambeth, said "everybody realised that England must outbuild foreign countries. And she determines to outbuild them," added the speaker. AUSTRALIA'S PROPOSED DREADNOUGHTS. London, April 1. The Chronicle publishes a Melbourne telegram stating that Earl Crewe's (Secretary of State for the Colonies') thanks for an Australian Dreadnought are premature, and that no such offer has been made. lt adds that public opinion is more divided during the last week owing to the English Conservatives using the crisis for party purposes. A MISUNDERSTANDING EXPLAINED Received 2, 10.20 p.m. IjOiidon, April 2. The Times' correspondent at Sydney cables that there seems to be eonie mistake in supposing that New South Wales and Victoria have offered a Dreadnought. No oiler yim made. The correspondent adds that the nearest approach is New South Wales' suggestion that if the Commonwealth offer a ship New South Wales would pay her share. lie states that the English speeches and Press comments are based upon ii Reuter telegram of March 30th definitely announcing that Mr. Wade (Premier of New South Wales) and Mr. Murray (Premier of Victoria) had decided tu oiler a Dreadnought and asking the other States to co-operate. AT LAST! N.S.W. AND VICTOBIA AGREE TO OFFER A DREADNOUGHT. IP THE COMMONWEALTH FAUi TO DO SO. Received 2, 10.20 p.m. t Sydney, April 2. The New South Wales and Victorian Cabinets agreed, failing a Common- ■ wealth offer of a Dreadnought to Britain that New South Wales uml Victoria combine and present one. CANADIAN OPINION. Ottawa, April 1. The Press report that British Columbia, and the Canadian province* of Manitoba, Ontario and New BrunswicK are considering tho prospect of a joint contribution towards a Dreadnought. A large section of Canadian opinion is dissatisfied with Sir Wilfrid Laurier's action. Mr. Whitney, Premier of the Ontario Legislature, urged the Dominion of Canada to offer one or even two Dreadnoughts without, delay. Received 3, 1.20 a.m. London, April 3. The Manitoba Government has decided not to offer a Dreadnought, on the grounds that the Dominion is the proper body to act iu the matter. THE PREMIER CONGRATULATED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Asliburton, Last Night. The Asliburton County Council to-day unanimously! passed tile following resolution:—"That this Council desires to express its appreciation, to the Premier for his prompt offer of assistance to the Imperial Government in muintniningthe undoubted supremacy of the British Navy. SOUTHLAND EDUCATION BOARD'S APPROVAL. Inverciirgill, l.ttst Night. The Education Hoard to-day reserved: "That the Board heartily congratulates the Government ill demonstrating the patriotism of New Zealand in the presentation of a Dreadnought to His Majesty's navy." A COUNCIL'S RESOLUTION. Nelson, Last Night. A warm debate took place at the Borough Council meetin'g to-night on a' resolution endorsing the action of the Government in presenting a Dreadnought (i the Imperial Government. The rej -olutiou was carried by 7 votes to 3.