NATAL DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12317, 8 July 1903, Page 5

NATAL DEFENCE.

SPEECH BY THE FEDERAL PREMIER. By Telegraph.— Association.'—Copyright. (Receive.! July 8, 12.1 a.m.) • Melbourne, July 7. Sir E. Barton, in. moving the second reading of the Naval Agreement Bill, after explaining the old agreement, said• the total cost of the new squadron would be about two millions, as against £850,000 for the old. It would consist of a first-class cruiser, of 12,000 tons, with a speed of 21 knots; and a complement of 755 men; two second-class cruisers: of the modern type of 5880 tons, with a speed of 12 to 21 knots also, four •third-class cruisers, which were already here,'' and one of the Amethyst type would be sent. These vessels have bases in the ports of Australia and New Zealand. The cost cf the new agreement to the Commonwealth would be Is o|d per head, as against 8d 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, he made reference to the strength of the French and other squadrons in the Pacific, and declared that if they refused to agree to the necessary conditions they would deserve the destruction that would come upon them. The chief and most valuable feature of the. agreement was the provision that the field of operations should be not only in the waters of Australasia, but in the waters of China and EastIndian stations. The main object of this was to make the three stations work as one, so that in times of stress they could all work together. He thought he might absolutely dismiss the argument that if the colonies refused to accept then duty in providing the cost of naval defence they would still get the i defence of the British navy. .-..'. j

Sir. E. Barton, continuing, said it was necessary that there should be concentration to render the fleet effective. The expense of creating and maintaining a local fleet under local control would be prohibitive. Itwould cost about half a million a year,' as against two hundred thousand under the proposed agreement. The new squadron was the ' minimum strength necessary for their protection; even with a reciprocal arrangement with other squadrons. He admired the spirit of patriotism of those who advocated a local squadron; but it did not agree with the principle of unity of control which was considered essential. He urged on every ground, material and sentimental, the adoption of the agreement. ...