THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14143, 19 August 1909, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

MR. DEAKIN'S SATISFACTION.

MILLION ANNUALLY FOR UPKEEP.

By Telegraph.—« Association.— Melbourne, August 18. Mr. Deakin states , that though he has not yet received any statement from Colonel Foxton (Australia's defence delegate) with reference to the acceptance of the Commonwealth naval proposals, judging from the press cables they have been accepted from first to last. ' ■ '

, The ■ fact • that the Commonwealth is .to keep the completest control of . the boats of her unit in time of peace will no doubt be extremely gratifying to Australians'. This does not. include the Dreadnought, since such a vessel could not display her full efficiency in the oceans in the neighbourhood of Australia. The unit will consist principally of cruisers, one of which will probably represent the highest present development of swift cruisers. "...

- • The ' proposals also " provide for harbour defence, as well as arrangements for an Australian base. He estimated the upkeep of the' new unit at £750,000 .to £1,000,000. annually. It was part of . the arrangement that the Commonwealth is to have the right to determine whether an emergency at any time is such as to justify Australian vessels passing to Imperial control. This means in effect that the Federal Government will decide whether an emergency lias arisen. An important feature is that the boats, its far as possible, will be both ulcered and manned by Australians.