THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3184, 1 April 1911, Page 7

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

COLONIAL BUILDENC.

DECLARED TO' BE PRACTICABLE,

[UNITED PEESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.} SYDNEY, March 31. Mr. Holman, State. Attorpey-General, sated that the dock would probably he able to complete the warships in two years. A percentage- charge would he made upon the total cost,, representing 7 or 8 per cent, upon the cost of material and labor at the dock. They had nearly completed the work of putting together the destroyer Warrego, which would be launched on Tuesday. The Superintendent at Cockatoo island estimates the cost of turning out the new warships at over half a million. They will require 3000 men to build. The men are not available m Australia. They will have to get over 1000 shipwrights from England.

N.S.W. GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD THE VESSELS, THE ‘ PROBABLE COST. (Received March 31, 10.6 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 31. Mr Holman, on the strength of the report of the superintendent of the Cockatoo’lsland 1 dock, has informed the Federal Government that the New South Wales Government is prepared to undertake the building of new warships. The time of the comp etion of a second-class cruiser and three destroyers is fixed at 26 months from the time the plans are lodged. The terms offered are 8 per cent, upon the actual outlay incurred by the New South W ales Government in the performance of the work. , Taking Admiral Henderson’s estimate as a guide, the cost of the cruiser will be about £4-50,000 and of the destroyers £90,000 each. OIL FUEL FOR AUSTRALIAN VESSELS.

LONDON, March 31. The first 1 consignment of oil fuel for the Australian Navy, a hundred tons, has been despatched by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation. The supply is practically unlimited. ADMIRAL HENDERSON’S REPORT. MELBOURNE, March 31. The Federal Government will defer consideartion of Admiral Henderson's report till the return of Ministers from England. The Minister for Defence, while in England, will consult the Admiralty on certain matters connected with the report.