THE RIVAL NAVIES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3126, 1 March 1909, Page 5

THE RIVAL NAVIES.

GERMANY'S NAVAL SHIPBUILDING. IN ADVANCE OF PROGRAMME. LONDON, February 26. There are persistent reports to the effect that Germany's naval shipbuilding is in advance of her programme, and that the work of building is being further expedited.

TWO IMPROVED INDOMITABLES. HINTS REGARDING A NAVAL LOAN. LONDON, February 26. "The Times" says it is understood that two improved Indomitables, under the Estimates of 1909—1910, will be laid down on the Clyde forthwith, am! tfat their construction will be expedited. There are persistent Radical activities throughout the country against the Government's reported decision to build six Dreadnoughts. The ''Chronicle" and "Daily News" claim that Cabinet is unlikely to exceed four, reserving power to extend the programme. "The Chronicle" hints at the floating of a naval loan.

NATIONAL LIBERAL FEDERATION RESOLUTION. PRESS COMMENTS. Received February 28, 4.15 p.m. LONDON. February 27. Sir Edward Evans, presiding at a meeting of the General Committee of the National Liberal Federation, i>aid that they had heard much about the increases in armaments, but the Government would have to show good cause before Lhe Liberals aaseoted to the increase. The Government's policy of peace throughout the world was the strongest possible. \ Sir Edward added:—"lf the Conservatives came into power now there would be a frightful catastrophe hardly exceeded by the Messina earthquake." After the rejection of an avnendment from the Scarborough branch against a policy of unnecessary shipbuilding, a resolution of the Executive Committee was unanimously adopted reaffirming the principles of economy in naval and military expenditure. To this was added the following : "The Committee cannut recognise on the evidence at present before the country that a case has been established for the suggested increase in naval expenditure." Commenting upon this addition to the resolution, the "Daily News" writes:—"This refers to the demand for six Dreadnoughts in 1909, and probably six more in 1910. The Federation's resolution, as we have reason to believe, has not only saved the Government from speedy disruption, but maintained the great ideal of Liberalism.

"The Times," referring to the firmness shown by Mr Asquith (Prime Minister) in dealing with the deputation from the Trades Union Congress, expresses the hone that the same attitude will unflinchingly be maintained in the probable event of an open struggle in the Party over the Naval Estimates.