THE BRITISH NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 276, 18 May 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

PRESS COMMENTARY.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, May 10. The Unionist newspapers welcome Mr. Churchill's speech. The Pall Mall Gazette says that Germany has made it impossible to patrol the Empire; therefore the Dominions , must play their part quickly to recover the Empire's former naval superiority. Liberal newspapers consider the supplementary estimates unnecessary, excepting the Westminster Gazette, which adds: "Britain must either maintain her necessary rate of strength or become dependent on her neighbors, and at the mercy of their combinations and alliI anaes." APPROVING ME. CHURCHILL. London, May 16. Following upon the reorganisation of Admiralty methods, Prince Louis of Battenberg will command a fleet in the July manoeuvres. The Times commends Mr. Churchill's determination to keep the Sea Lords in touch with the service afloat. DEBATE IX THE HOUSE. Receivod 17, 11 p.m. London, May 17. In the House of Commons Mr. NortonGriffiths asked whether Mr. Churchill would consult the Dominions on the advisableness of creating a special Admiralty Board, consisting of representatives of the Admiralty and Dominions, with a view to encouraging an Imperial flying squadron. Mr. Churchill replied that in view of the pending visit of Canadian representatives the question was premature. Admiral Bridge, speaking at the Liberal Colonial Club on colonial naval defence, said that co-operation in such an Empire as ours was only possible when voluntary. .Sooner or later we must adopt a system of an indivisible naval force under an Empire Council of Defence. Admiral Henderson agreed with Mr. Churchill's speech. An Australian, Canadian or South African fleet in being was capable of strategical movement at any time. The Times says that Mr. Churchill's vision of a naval division of labor is wellinspired, and already, in view of experience, a sympathetic concord will suggest right methods. Montreal, May 17. The Montreal Star acrimoniously comments on the delusion that it is necessary to humor and flatter the Dominions. Canada does not want her warships loafing at Vancouver when sudden war breaks out in the North Sea.