THE NAVY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15257, 18 March 1910, Page 7

THE NAVY.

ESTIMATES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-^Copyright. LONDON, March 16. In tho House of Commons Mr Louglf’s amendment to reduce the Navy roll by 3000 men was negatived by 225 to 34. Mr M’Kouna said that the two-Power standard as defined by Mr Asquith on May 26 was not exceeded by the Estimates. Tlie Admiralty considered that tho five Dreadnoughts would not bo wanted before 1913. However, it was expedient to delay tho commencement of work on new ships until the latest possible time. The vote was ultimately agreed to. LORD BRASSEY ON THE TWOPOWER STANDARD. Lord Brassey, presiding at the jubilee meeting of the Association of Chambers of Commerce, said that the two-Power standard must be maintained, and tlio country must lay two keels to every one laid down by tho next strongest Power. At Sir Albert Spicer’s instance, it was resolved to approve of the principle proposed by tlio Imperial Council of Commerce. LORD CHARLES BERE&FORD’S COMPLAINTS. LONDON, March 16. The “Pall Mall Gazette” publishes the text of Lord Cawdor’s memorandum for tho first time. The object is to establish Lord Charles Beresford’s contention that there is a shortage of cruisers for the protection of commerce. H.M.S. ENCOUNTER. SYDNEY, March 17. The cruiser Encounter has sailed for Colombo, where she will recommission. WARSHIP CONSTRUCTION ON THE CLYDE. (Received March 17, 10.30 p.m.) With the two Indomitables for Australia and Now Zealand tho Clyde shipbuilders have under construction a record weight of naval work, including two British Dreadnoughts, three cruisers and a small fleet of destroyers. THE AUSTRALIAN INVINCIBLE. THE CONTRACT LET. SYDNEY, March 17. Mr Deakin has announced that tho contract for tho building of the armoured cruiser, which will bo tho flagship of the Commonwealth fleet, has been let to Messrs John Brown and Co., Glasgow. Tho vessel will be completed in two years. LONDON, March 16. John Brown and Company, Clydebank, and the Fairfield Company, Govau, each contracted for tlio Australasian battleship.