IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Evening Star, Issue 11693, 26 September 1902, Page 6

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

am DKAKIN’S REVIEW. Press Association—By- Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, September 25. Mr Deatin, the Acting Federal Premier, said that he saw no reason why such information as he had respecting the Imperial Conference should not be made public. With regard to the military defence proposals submitted by the Imperial Government, these were 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 That proposition appeared to be wholly withdrawn. With regard to naval defence, the proposals submitted were for a new squadron and reserve force, to be subsidised by Australis and New Zealand to the extent of .£467,000. That proposal was withdrawn. A further proposal was to repeal the present Subsidy Act and submit a new schedule by which half the cost of the squadron xould be borne by the Admiralty, five- twelfths by Australia, and one-twelfth by New Zealand. Under this proposal Australia would pav £200,000. The total cost, however, did not distinctly appear. There would be a smaller number-of vessels, but greater tonnage and much increased speed. It was intended that three of the cruisers of the easting auxiliary squadron should bf manned by Australian sailors paid at special rates and euro led on the basis of the popu iat:on of the States, Two of these, wonlr be for Australia and one for New Zealand Australia would have eight nominations b cadetships and New Zealand in proportion The Cabinet would shortly consider if tin proposals should he submitted to Parliament. ’