DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 208, 22 January 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE OF THE PACIFIC.

A NEW ZEALAND NAVY, j DOMINION TO JOIN AUSTRALIA. t By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 21, 10.35 p.m. Sydney, January 21. The Sun's Melbourne correspondent, from information obtained semi-officially and otherwise, confidently predicts that before the end of the year New Zealand will have received Britain's benediction upon a new and important departure in South Pacific defence. The Commonwealth Government has communicated its views to the Imperial Government and to Mr. Allen, suggesting that the Australian navy should be expanded into an Australasian navy, and that naval stations on the Pacific should be changed, cutting New Zealand out of the China station and adding her to the Australian station. Canada should provide a Pacific fleet unit for co-opera-tion in time of war. No doubt the Admiralty will recommend a local fleet, and New Zealand will accept the advice. The only question is whether this advice should be given immediately or delayed until the defence sub-conference i 3 held in London or Canada. The prevalent idea is that the New Zealand section of the Australasian navy will consist of two third-class cruisers 'of the Sydney type, three destroyers of the Parramatta type, and two' submarines The cost would be £250,000. The question of administration has not been discussed, though it is agreed that a New Zealand Naval Board will be a necessity.