THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 October 1915, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

LAUNCH OF _THE BRISBANE. AN HISTORIC OCCASION. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Received Oct. 1, 12.5 a.m. Sydney, Sept. 30. In the presence of Sir R. Ferguson and Sir ,Gerald Strickland, naval, military, and parliamentaty leaders, and a big and enthusiastic crowd, the cruiser Brisbane was launched to-day from Cockatoo Deck, Mrs. Andrew Fisher, in performing the christening, wished the Brisbane success, and oppotunitles to win new honors for Australia and the King's Navy. As the cruiser took the water souvenirlumters in launches got in iier way, and were almost run down. To avoid collision the Brisbane's anchors were not dtopped, and she drifted until her stern stuck in the mud. The services of three tugs were required to draw her off. She was undamaged. Tiie Brisbane is the largest vessel ever launched in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the first cruiser built by any of the British dependencies. At the official luncheon, Mr. Fisher claimed that the policy of the Australian Navy had fully justified itself. The Sydney's exploit of sinking the Emden had brought into existence the name of Australia as a minor power in a way no other nation in the world could have done. "We have made a good beginning for a navy," he said, "but we have to go much farther." Mr. Hughes said Australia must continue launching ships, whether she liked it or not. The great problem of the future must be sought in the Pacifie. He hoped this would be the last war, but they must prepare for eventualities. He was sure those present would live to to see a squadron made up of Aus' tralian, Canadian, and New Zealand ships. Sir R. Ferguson declared that the con. struction of an Australian Navy had been a triumph of policy. It was a complement to, the British fleet, which was one of tiie main securities of the peace of the world.