INTERNATIONAL NAVIES.

Mataura Ensign, 6 July 1910, Page 6

INTERNATIONAL NAVIES.

I CONSTRUCTION OF DREADj NOUGHTS. POSITION OF THE POWERS. LONDON, July 5. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr J. B. Lonsdale, Mr R. McKenna (First Lord of the Admiralty) stated that the Italian Estimates included four Dreadnoughts. Austria would not have four Dreadnoughts by 1913. If Germany wished, she could complete seventeen Dreadnoughts by 1912. A DEVOUT HOPE. LONDON, July 6. During a discursive debate on the Budget in the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain (ex-Chancellor of the Exchequer) commented on the statement of Mr D. Lloyd-George (Chancellor of the Exchequer) that he hoped that by 1912, when the German naval programme drops fifty per centum, we shall all return to more normal, saner conditions. ■ Mr Chamberlain retorted that if Mr Lloyd-George disagreed with Navy Estimates amounting to £40,000,000 he should resign. It was reckless to hold out hopes of social reforms depending on the naval policy of a foreign Power. Mr Phil Snowden (Labor) complained of the deferring of the fulfilment of the pledge to deal with the unemployment infirmity. He • hoped the day would come when the Budget would increase from £200,000,000 to £400,000,000, none of which would be expended on antiquated provision for national defence.