THE BRITISH NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 291, 5 June 1912, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY

AN ILLUMINATIVE CRITICISM. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 4, .9.30 p.m. London, June 4. The Pall Mall Gazette, in an article entitled "Imperial Cross-currents," says that it rests with the statesmen of the Motherland to find a common denominator to enable divergent overseas' aspirations to be utilised for the common good. Mr. Fisher had stated his position with admirable precision, which was not less worthy of commendation than Canada's and New Zealand's desire to have ships where danger was nearest their •weaknesses. Both the positions of Canada and New Zealand do not satisfy the aspirations of the spirit of nationality within the Empire. It leads away from the ultimate hope of an Empire navy built and manned by the several States proportionately to their resources. The Australians' position avoids that disadvantage, but avoids it by the sacrifice of strategical principle and effectiveness. The retention of New Zealand's Dreadnought sins against the principle of Mr. Churchill's Imperial patrol. Australia Bhould recognise that the giving up of the cruiser Australia to patrol does not mean a split in the fleet, but makes use of the material their patriotism provided. There must be one guiding brain. That brain for the present can only be the Admiralty.