THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 178, 14 December 1912, Page 5

THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

ADMIRAL BRIDGEMAN. Bj Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, December 13. Truth recently announced that Admiral the Prince of Battenburg intended to resign on the ground of ill-health. The Evening News states that Admiral Bridgeman denies that ill-health caused lm retirement. Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons, repeated that his, health during the present year was the cause. He declared that Admiral Bridgeman had a continual struggle against illness. His action was taken with the Prime Minister's concurrence. THE CANADIAN FLEET. DEBATE IN THE HOUSE. Ottawa, December 12. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in his first pronouncement on Mr. Borden's naval policy, said that it was un-Canadian and •n-British. He suggested, instead, a purely Canadian fleet, with superDreadnoughts as a central unit, built and manned by Canada. The fleet would always be ready to aid Britain. After Sir W. Laurier had concluded, the House sang "Rule, Britannia." Mr. Borden rend the memorandum from Mr. Churchill, stating that it was impossible now to build Dreadnoughts in Canada. The Admiralty, however, would let contracts for the naval vessels of a smaller size to Canadian shipbuilders. Sir W. Laurier argued that the necessity for Britain guarding the coasts bj the withdrawal of her fleets gave Canada an opportunity to guard her own coasts with her own fleets, similarly to Australia. A NON-PARTY QUESTION. ""WHAT DO WE OWE TO ENGLAND?" Received 13, 9.50 p.m. Ottawa, December 13. Sir Wilfrid Laurier said that he weloomed a proposition to take the navy question'out of politics. It was now too late, however, as the Conservatives insisted on making a party question of it. He alleged that at last election, on hundreds of platforms in Quebec, the question, "What do we owe to England?" Was answered by shouts of "Nothing!" The Opposition speakers vigorously decried Sir W. Laurier's statement.