"AN ERA OF ACTION."

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 312, 11 February 1910, Page 5

"AN ERA OF ACTION."

FROM AX ERA OF TALK.

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received 10, 10.50 p.m. London, February 10. Mrs. Asquith performed the ceremony oi naming the first Australian destroyer.

Mr. A. Gracie, chairman of the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company, presented her with a silver casket containing a silver hatchet wherewith to cut "the ribbon. Mrs. Asquith said: "The firstborn of the Commonwealth Navv, I name you 'Parramatta.' God bless* von and those who sail in you. May 'you uphold the glorious traditions o*f 'the British Navy in the dominions overseas."

The christening was performed with Australian champagne. A large "athcring of Australians attended the luncheon in honor of the event. Te.egrams regretting their absence wen: received from the Earl of Crewe (Secretary of State for the Colonics) and Lord Fisher (ex-Admiral of the Flee'.;). Proposing the toast of "The Commonwealth," the Lord Provost of Glasgow said the building of the Australian Navy proved that in times of stress the Mother Country" would not appeal in vain to her children across the sea.

Capt. Collins (Commonwealth AgentGeneral), replying, said it was to the credit' of the Liberal Government that th'ey, through" Mr. Haldane's conception of an Imperial General Staff and at the Naval Conference, helped to pass from an era of talk to an era of action, which would develop and consolidate the defence of the Empire. He added that Australia was heartily in earnest and sympathy in connection with this forward movement of her national spirit and independence and lends her shoulder to her own responsibilities. The Commonwealth was efficiently reorganising its forces, and forming valuable units of strength and assistance for the whole Empire.