THE BRITISH NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 266, 20 March 1911, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

DEBATE ON THE ESTIMATES. 8y Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright, London, March 17. Mr. Dillon explained that the Nationalists and Radicals were voting for the Naval Estimates with regret, lest they should weaken the Government in the veto crisis. Mr. Macnamara justified the Estimates. The proposal to amend the Estimates was negatived by 216 to 54. Mr. McKcnna informed Mr. Cavereferring to the Archer Slice case, in which a boy was dismissed from the Naval College on a charge which afterwards proved to be unfounded —that the Admiralty's offer to pay Mr. Shee's costs had been declined. Ten thousand pounds damaged were claimed, which the Admiralty declined to pay. At the instance of Messrs. Chamberlain and Balfour, notice of motion was given to discuss the case. ASSISTANCE OF THE DOMINIONS. IN THE PACIFIC DEFENCE SCHEME. Received 19, 5 p.m. London, March 18. The Times declares that it is curious, but perhaps significant, that the House of Commons debates are almost silent upon the Dominions' preparations to assist the Motherland in sea defence. Admiral Henderson's report attracted wide attention, likewise Sir Joseph Ward's speech at Sydney. The Dominions recognise, by past co-operation, that changes may occur, rendering it advisable to reestablish bases for the Far Eastern fleet, necessitating the inclusion of Dreadnoughts. If Admiral Henderson's proposals are accepted, Australia may provide two armored cruisers in 1015 instead of one, and if India, Ceylon, and the Straits Settlements combine with Australia to provide a moiety of the Eastern fleet, the Homeland could not decline to supply the other half. Twelve armored cruisers in the Pacific would be none too many.