THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 262, 15 March 1911, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY

ADMIRAL HENDERSON'S SCHEME. IS IT FEASIBLE? By Oable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, March 14. Admiral Henderson's report says that once the command of the sea is lost by the Empire no local system of defence, naval or military, could secure Australia's autonomy, and she would be the prey of the strongest maritime Power. Australia should depend on the fleet, and should spend a sum bearing the same proportion to the Imperial naval expenditure as Australia's population and oversea commerce bear to those of Britain. On this basis the annual naval provision would be four millions, increasing proportionately with the increase of population. The complete fleet would be divided into eastern and western divisions, each under an Admiral or Commodore. The divisions would again be divided into squadrons or flotillas. Sydney would be the primary base for the eastern, and Frcmantle for the western divisions, with destroyers, submarines, and sub-bases at other ports. The two divisions would not always be kept to their own bases; the ships would from time to time be exchanged to give the officers and men a chance of acquainting themselves with the Australian waters; also there would be yearly manoeuvres. The Herald, discussing Admiral Henderson's report, after reference to the large capital outlay involved and the possibility of the estimtacs being conservative ones, says: "We do not assert that these things are impossible, hut must look fairly in the face the chance they have of being done, and not fritter away money and strength on trivial patchwork attempts to set such a scheme afloat." The Telegraph commends the value of the recommendations, but whether the Commonwealth can find the money to build and man the ships is problematical, i It strongly endorses Admiral Henderson's contention that the administration must be free from political influence, and suggests that a navy taking twenty-two years to build is in danger of being obsolete before it is finished.