SECOND DREADNOUGHT

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 1 April 1913, Page 5

SECOND DREADNOUGHT

FOR AUSTRALIA'S NAVY. THREE DESTROYERS. 'TAKING DEFENCE SERIOUSLY." (By Cable.—Press Association Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 31. In a policy speech to-night the Prime Minister (Mr Fisher) sprang a great surprise by announcing a new development in the Federal Government's naval policy. Mr Fisher stated that the Government, having carefully considered the naval strength in the Pacific, had decided to immediately lay down another Dreadnought, three destroyers, and three or four submarines, all of greatly-improved types. The designs of the vessels, he said, had already been prepared in the Navy Office. Mr Fisher strongly defended Australia's naval policy. He quoted the folowing figures to prove that Australia alone, among the overseas Dominions, was taking defence seriously. The annual expenditure per head for defence was:—-" £ s. d. Britain 11l 7 Australia 1 1 2 New Zealand 0 11 2 Kouth Africa 0 6 2 Canada 0 6 2 Newfoundland 0 0 3 The new programme will be spread over three years. These vessels arc distinct from those now nnder construction.