PAN-BRITANNIC DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7732, 27 February 1909, Page 4

PAN-BRITANNIC DEFENCE.

AN AUSTRALIAN FLEET.

t'er Press Association —Copyright LONDON, February 26. In the House of Commons, Mr R. McKonna (First Lord of the Admiralty) informed Mr W. Redmond that the foundations of the agreement with the Commonwealth concerning the proposed Australian fleet were laid at the time the late Commonwealth Government took office, but no official communication had been received since, and the Imperial Government was waiting to hear the Commonwealth's views. Received February 27, 12.50 a.m. LONDON, February 26. In the House of Lords, Lord Brassey called attention to the Colonial Conference of 1907 in relation to naval defence and the correspondence since, and suggested the loan or gift to Australasia of second-class cruisers. Lord Ellenborough said he was glad that Australia had begun on right lines by providing a destroyer, in readiness and on. the spot, in case of emergency. Could Major Dumeurier visit Australia and write a play similar to " An Englishman's Home," with colonial surroundings, the chances of Mr Haldane inducing the Australians to raise five divisions would be considerably increased. Lord Granard, in a sympathetic reply, dwelt upon New Zealand's most patriotic action in increasing the contribution to the navy, relying upon the Motherland to do her best to protect ,them. Regarding Lord Brassey's suggestion, the Admiralty found that it had no vessel suitable for such a purpose. The Admiralty viewed with satisfaction any <|ffort that the colonies might make towards establishing a fleet for their own protection, and would most carefully consider any scheme submitted. It would be -leased to give any advice serviceable to the colonies.. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. In the House of Commons, after the rejection of Mr Hay's amendment in relation to the administration of the Aliens Act, the Address-in-Reply was carried.