EMPIRE’S DEFENCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8682, 16 March 1914, Page 4

EMPIRE’S DEFENCE

NEW ZEALAND SHIPS

TWO LIGHT CRUISERS TO BE RETAINED. By Telegraph— Press Association— Copyright “Times" and Sydney "Sun” Services. LONDON, March 13. A Note to the Naval Estimates explains that H.M.S. Philomel is shortly to be transferred to New Zealand. The ordinary channel for entry fop Now Zealand cadets will bo through the Australian Naval College. Tibet effective period of service will bo for. seven years. Two light cruisers will be retained by tlxo Admiralty for the New Zealand division, and they will bo manned by New Zealanders. LETTER FROM LORD CHARLES BERESFORD. LONDON, March 13. At a meeting of tho Imperial Mission, a letter from -Lord Charles Beresford was read urging the summoning of the Imperial Council of Defence to frame a scheme for tho defence of tho Empire. AUSTRALIA’S NAVAL DOCKS. SYDNEY. March 14, Mr Julian King Salter has arrived by the Omirah to take charge of Cockatoo Island Dock, relieving Mr Cutler, who will shortly take charge of the State dockyards. 123 VESSELS CONDEMNED. COST £26,417,009. (Received. March 14, 8 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. Tho Admiralty report shows that 123 vessels have been condemned since 1904. - . They cost £26,417,000. THE UNIONIST VIEW. "Times” and Sydney "Sun” Services, (Received March 14. 5.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 14. The Unionists regard the drop ia battleships from five to four as conflicting with Mr Churchill's pledges in; 1913, because it does not provide for the expansion necessary for the protection of the Empire.