THE NAVAL CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3158, 8 April 1909, Page 5

THE NAVAL CRISIS.

THE GIFT OF DREADNOUGHTS. SYMPATHY OF THE COLONIES Received April 7, 8.55 p.m. SYDNEY, April 7.

Speaking to-day at the official opening of the Agricultural Show Admiral Poore, referring to New Zealand's gift of a Dreadnought to England, said that he had heard the movement described as hysterical. There could be nothing hysterical in the sympathy of the colonies towards tha Mother Country. He added that whatever might be said he wished* them to remember that the bottom had not yet dropped out of the British Navy.

Mr Cook, Leader of the Federal Opposition, said that a Dreadnought would go to England from Australia as soon as the Federal Parliament Could speak, and it would be sent by the earnest desire of the whole people of the Commonwealth. AUSTRIA BUILDING DREADNOUGHTS. SATISFACTION IN BERLIN. Keceived April 7, 8.55 p.m. LONDON, April 7. The "Standard'' reports that the decision of Austria to build three Dreadnoughts has given great satisfaction in Berlin. Germans declare that what the British overseas Dominions are doing for the British Empire, AustriaHungary is doing for Germany. THE BRITISH PROGRAMME. SUFFICIENT TO SECURE NATIONAL SAFETY. Received April 7, 10.25' p.m. LONDON, April 7. Dr. T. J, Macnamara (Parliamentairy Secretary to the Local Government Boardj), speaking at the City Lifeeral Glob, declared that two satisfactory features had "emerged from the naval debate, the first was the determination met with amongst all elasses to maintain the navy »n----challenged and unchallengeable. The second was the colonies spontaneous recognition of this vital state. He added that the Government's programme was sufficient to secure national safety. He denied that by April, 1912, Germany would get *head of Britain. He admitted our superiority in Dreadnoughts might at times be narrow, but he emphasised the preponderance of pre-Dread-nought ships.

SUGGESIED CONFERENCE ON

NAVAL DEFENCE. Received April 7, 10.5 p.m. LONDON, April 7. In the Housa of Commons Mr H. 11. Asquith, in reply to questions, intimated that any special conference on the naval defence of the Empire depended upon the agreement in that direction between the Imperial «nd Colonial Governments. The latter had not expressed any desire for •such a conierence. The "Chronicle," referring to the proposals of naval campaign, eays that it was most undesirable that the navy should continue to be dragged along "Party rats." "The fact as," says the "Chronicle," "there has been too much of tactics an this matter on both sides."