The Imperial Conference

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 262, 27 September 1902, Page 3

The Imperial Conference

Melboukn-k, September 20. Mr Deakin, in a statement in the Federal lions*, .said t h :> t lie saw no reasoo wliy sucli inf irmatiou as he had i inspecting the Imperial Conference should not be made public. 'Vith regard to the military defence the proposal submitted by the Imperial Government was to create a militia reserve for service outside Australia in case of emergency, but only with the consent of the Federal Government. That proposition appeared to be wholly withdrawn. In regard to nival defence the proposal submitted was for a new squadron and reserve force to be subsidised by Australia and New Zealand to the extent of £467,000. This proposal was withdrawn, and the later proposal was to repeal the present Subsidy Act and submit a new schedule, that half the cost be borne by the Admiralty, five twelfths by Australia and onetwelfth by New Zealand. Under this Australia would have to pay £200,000. The total cost, however, did not distinctly appear. There was to be a smaller number of vessels, but of greater tonnage and much increased speed. It was intended that one of the cruisers and three of the existing auxiliary squadron should ’ manned by Australian sailors, be paid special rates and enro on the basis of the population of the States. Two of these vessels would be for Australia and one for New Zealand. Australia would have eight nominations to cadetships and New Zealand in proportion. The Cabinet will shortly consider the proposals and if they are adopted a Bill will bo submitted to Parliament.