New Naval Bill.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7759, 8 July 1903, Page 2

New Naval Bill.

The Colonies' Contribution. Barton As Special Pleader. Thin End Of A Big Wedge. Received July 8, 0.1 a.m. Melbournk, Last Night. Sir E.,Barton, in moving the second reading of the Navil Agreement Bill, said the total cost of the-new squadron was about ,£2,000,000, as against £850,000 for the old. It would consist of a first-class cruiser of 12,000 tons, with a speed of 21 knot and a complement of 755 uaen,- two second-class cruisers of modern type of 5880 tons .and with a speed of from 12 to 21 knots ; also four third-class cruisers. There were already here, and one of the Amethyst type would be sent. These vessels .would . have their bases in the ports of Australia and New Zealand. The cost of the new ugr ement to the Commonwealth would be a shilling and a half-penny per head as against eight-pence under the old. As the population increased the cost would decrease. He had no hesitation in saying, after consultation with the

Admiral, that the rates of pay would be satisfactory. Following on a reference to the strength of the French and other squadrons in the Pacific, he declared that if we refused to agree to the necessary conditions, we should deserve the destruction that would come upon us. The chief and most valuable feature in the' agreement was the provision that the field of operations should be not only the waters of Australasia but the waters of the China and East Indian stations. The main object of this was that" the" three stations should work as one so that in times of stress we could all work together. He thought he might absolutely dismiss the argument that if the colonies refused to accept their duty in providing the cost of naval defence they would still get defence from the . British. Navy. tie admired the spirit of patriotism of those who advocated a.local squadron, but it did not agree with the spirit of unity of control which:was considered essential. 'He urged on every ground, material and' sentimental, the adoption of the agreement proceeding.