OUR NAVAL ASCENDENCY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3144, 23 March 1909, Page 5

OUR NAVAL ASCENDENCY.

THE PREMIER'S VIEWS. DETERMINATION AND SELF-SACRIFICE NECESSARY. THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSE TO DEFRAY COST OF ONE FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP. OFFER TO GUARANTEE SECOND WARSHIP IF NECESSARY.

(By Telegraph)

loyal desire of the residents of New Zealand to maintain the power of their own Empire.

WELLINGTON, March 22.

In an interview with a Press representative to-day, the Prime Minister stated that the unanimity of both sides which the recent debate in the British House of Commons had disclosed with regard to th 1 gravity of the situation between the Motherland and* Germany in so far as our naval ascendancy is concerned cannot be misinterpreted. No room is left for doabt that England feels her supremacy on the seas is now seriously threatened by the amazing naval activity of the German dockyards. It appears clear that all thoughtful men in Great Britain recognise that the Empire must set itself with the utmost determination, and if necessary, sacrifice, to maintain the naval supremacy, upon which, not only our honour but our national greatness depends. The burden lying upon the British nation for naval expenditure is at present enormous, said the Premier, and every loyal subject of the Crown must feel that in a time or crisis like this he is called upon to help the Motherland with more than words. New Zealand is proud of past proofs of her loyalty to the Mother Country, and stands to-day in the estimation of the British people as among the first in the British Dominions for a ready and loyal respensj where the necessities of the Empire call for it. The Prime Minister said that in these circumstances the Government of New Zealand felt its obligations to assist the Motherland, and a Cabinet meeting this morning had unanimously agreed to the Prime Minister's proposal that this country should offer to defray the cost of the immediate building ana arming of one first-class battleship of the latest type, and, if subsequent events show it to be necessary, would provide the cost of a second warship of the same type. Sir Joseph said that he had sei t this offer through His Excellency the Governor to the Secretary of State for the Colonies this afternoon.

CABINET'S OFFER ENDORSED BY WELLINGTON NAVY LEAGUE.

WELLINGTON, March 22.

The Execu r ive of the Wellington Branch of the Navy League held a special meeting this afternoon and passed a resolution heartily endorsing Cabinet's olfer to the British Government in connection with the naval crisis. MR MASSEY'S VIEWS. AUCKLAND, March 22. Mr Massey, Leader of the Opposition, was asked to-day if he had anything to say about the discussion on naval estimates in the Imperial Parliament as effecting this country. "Just this," said Mr Massey, "most people are aware that our contribution to the Royal Navy will be increased to £IOO,OOO per annum as from May next. Under ordinary circumstances it would be a fair contribution, but extraordinary circumstances may arise if they have not already arisen, and I am quite sure whether we are enjoying prosperity or experiencing adversity New Zealanders will be quite willing: to do their duty along with the people of other colonies in assisting to maintain the supremacy of the British Navy." This statement was made, it may be added, prior to the news of offering a battleship' being received, Mr Massey having left the city early.

' "NEW ZEALAND LEADS."

AUSTRALIA'S ADMIRATION.

CARDINAL MORAN ANU THE PRESENTATION PROPOSAL.

"A PIECE OF HYSTERICAL FANATICISM."

Received March 22, 11.35 p.m. ■ SYDNEY, March 22.

Sir Joseph weiVt on to say that this is a time when any waitng or baiting on the part of the New Zealand Government would enormously lessen the value of any assistance we might eventually give, and he felt confident a matter touching our national existence would be treated as above party consideration, and would appeal to every section of the community as a right and proper thing to do. Apart from the moral effect of this offer it had to be remembered that even upon the ground nf self interest it is amply justified since in this country the value of our national and our private wealth is now nearly six hundred million sterling, and this largely depends upon the British Navy for its security and defence

"New Zealand Leads" announces in big type the contents bill of one of thu evening papers in connection with New Zealand's offer. The promptness and magnitude of the Dominion's offei is unstintedly admired. At the same time the admiration is tempered with some disappointment at New Zealand outdistancing Australia in making response. The public and press is almost unanimously in favour of making a prompt offer and astonishment is expressed at statesmen's slowness in failing to fall in with the public feeling. Mr Wade does not favour the presenting ot a Dreadnought to England, but would increase the raval subsidy.

Speakine at a citizen's farewell to him at the Town Hall, Sir Harry Rawson, referring to the proposed presentation of a Dreadnought, said that he hoped the feeling would spread. Such feeling by the colonies for the Motherland would go further towards maintaining the peace of the world than any other means. He announced that he had received' a letter from Mr Hugh Dixon, tobacco manufacturer, offering £5,000 towards the purchase of a Dreadnought. Cardinal interviewed, said he always had been in favuur of building Dreadnoughts for Australia. By so doing it would strengthen the j British Government's naval projects I in a marvellous manner, but he looked upon the proposal to give a Dreadnought to England as a piece of hysterical fanaticism, not to say folly. England had money enough to build any number of vessels required. The whole people of the Empire should be determined to maintain the supremacy of the nation. To send a ship Home would be like sending coals to Newcastle, | whereas the securing of half-a-dozen ! Dreadnoughts for the Pacific would benefit this young country and would

The Prime Minister added that this determination had not been hurriedly arrived at. He had been revolving the whole matter for some days past, and, a'tar anxious and careful consideration, had brought it before some of his colleagues on Saturday morning last. All the Ministers were, present at the meeting of Cabinet to-day, when the matter was dealt with* and as he had already stated the proposal had been cordially and unanimously assented

GOVERNMENT'S OFFER APPRECIATED.

WELLINGTON, March 22,

Sir Joseph Ward told a "New Zealand Times" reporter to-night that he feels certain that the Government's offer will be endorsed by everybody who gave the position serious thought. People on both sides of politics have telegraphed appreciation and endorsement of the Government's action. The actual interest we would pay for an undertaking of this kind would amount to only Is 3d per head. The most dispassionate critic would recognise this was a very small thing to pay

for value received in the shape of protection, apart altogether from the

aasist England to maintain the peace of the world.