NAVAL CRISIS.

Hastings Standard, Volume XII, Issue 4126, 8 April 1909, Page 5

NAVAL CRISIS.

GIFT DREADNOUGHTS. GERMANY'S COUNTER MOVE Lonton 7, received 8.55, p m.— The Standard reports the decision of Austria to build three dreadnoughts. The decision has given great satisfaction in Beniu. The Germans declare that what the British overseas dominions are doing for the British Empire Austria-Hun-gary is doing for Germany.

AUSTRALIAN FUND. (Received 8, 8.10 a.m.) London, April 7. Several Adstralians in London suggest that if public subscriptions for Dreadnoughts are started in Australia, facilities should be afforded to Anglo-Australians to join. Melbourne, April 8.

Admiral Sir Richard Poore, referring to the dreadnought, said he had heard the movement- described as hysterical. There could be nothing hysterical iu the sympathy of the children towards the Mother Country. He added ; Whatever mieht be said he wished them to remember the bottom had not yet dropped out of tfie British navy Mr Cook. Leader of the Federal Opposition, said the dreadnought would go as soon as the Federal Parliament could speak, and be sent by the earnest desire of the whole people of the Commonwealth.

SATISFACTORY FEATURES. Dr Macnaraai-a. afc the Oiry Liberal Ciub, declared two satisfactory features had emerged from the naval debate. First the determination m-:t with amongst all classes to maintain the navy unchallenged ; Seoond, the colonies spontaneous recognition of this vital state. He added that Government's programme was sufficient to secure national safety. He denied that by April 1912 Germany would get ahead of Britain. He admitted our superfo.'ity in dreadnoughts might at times narrow, but emphasised the preponderance of the pre-dread-nouglit ships.