THE BRITISH NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10103, 22 March 1909, Page 4

THE BRITISH NAVAL ESTIMATES.

fßx Electbio Telegbaph—Coptbight.] (Per Pbess Association.) Received March 21, at.4 p.m.Melbourne, March 21. The newspapers~support the suggestion that in view of the acute naval : position Australia should present the Imperial Government with a "Dreadnought." Mr Fisher states that.the Federal Government quite appreciate the idea; though he does not desire to express an opinion on it. He p.dded that all the resources of the Commonwealth would be at the disposal of the Imperial authorities in case of a difficulty with any Power. - London, March 20. In the House of Commons, Sir Balfour gave notice of a motion of censure on the ground that the immediate provisions for battleships of the newest type, pror posed by the Government, were insufficient to "secure the safety of the Empire. The Cabinet held a meeting last night lasting two and a-half hours, and considered the development in connection with the naval situation. Several newspapers regret Mr Balfour's motion, and consider that it will drag the question, into political strife, but the course is deemed inevitable. Admiral Fitzgerald angrily demands what the Xaval" Intelligence Department has been doing to be unaware of Germany's spurt till months later. Admiral Sir W. 11. Kennedy advocates the building of two vessels to every one built by Germany if they spend five millions a" year, as this will be a Heabite compared with invasion. Many political meetings are being heldin the" provinces at which the people demand the immediate construction of •'Dreadnoughts" only if Germany accelerates her building. The Spectator declares that England has been living in a naval fool's paradise. Many newspapers suggest that Britain should purchase Brazil's three "Dreadnoughts," now. being completed at Klswick and Barrow. Naval experts assert- that the present is an exceptionally opportune time for laying down new ships. Material is cheap, and in view of the unemployment several great firms will be glad to keep their plant running to keep workmen together for the smallest margin or profit. Berlin, March 20. The papers publish details of the night and day works in connection with the extension" at Wilhelmshafen, and declare that within a few month's it will supersede Kiel. All the "Dreadnoughts" and 'Tnvincibles" under construction are stationed at YViihemshafen. Count von Keventlow, the naval expert, states that Mr- Ascjuitk is in error regarding Germany's assurance that she will not accelerate her construction of .warships. Count von Keventlow says Germany's shipbuilding is capable of more rapid progress. Prince von Bulow refused to attend the Budget Committee meeting at which the members demanded an explanation of the discrepancies between the statements of Admiral von Tirpitz and Mr MKeuna regarding Germany's rate of construction. Received March 22, at 0.50 a.m London, March 21. The Canadian and Cape Colony newspapers are impressed with the gravity of the naval disclosures. Many Ministerialist speeches have been delivered in the provinces. Mr litmciman declared that it would be folly to build many years ahead, ile regretted.the construction" of the first ''Dreadnought." The Master of Klibank said the first "•Dreadnought" had led to wild competition, for- which the Conservatives must bear the blame. Nevertheless the Liberals were determined to maintain the superiority of the navy at all costs. Mr C. P. Trevelyan said the country was on the verge ot" a panic, stimulated by exaggeration. Lieut.-Colonel Seely pointed out that if the "Dreadnoughts" were beaten Britain still bad other war vessels. Tiie Times says the suggestion of the Melbourne papers that Australia should present- a "Dreadnought" to the Imperial Government- will be welcomed in the spirit prompting it. It evidenced the snlidarity of the British race. Although England must be prepared to maintain supremacy in the Xorth Sea unassisted she counted upon her dominions taking a share in the necessities growing in almost every sea. Received March 22. at- 1.20 a.m. 'Sydney, March 21. The suc-iested presentation of a "•Dreadnought" meets with general support in Sydney. Politicians, however, while sympathetic are reticent, realising the financial problems involved. Mr W. If. Kelly, a member of the llo::se of Representatives, has written to Mr Fish.tr. urjinir him to call Parliament to.ether to deal with the matter, or as an alternative countermanding the building of destroyers on the ground that the augmentation of the Empire's battleships k "nioiv important than the creation of an isolated llotilla here.

.Air Crook, leader of the rederal Opposition, referring to the naval situation disclosed in th ■ cablegrams, said there should be an instant response from the oversea dominions. Mr Oeakin, speaking at Mm-wiihimbah, made a spirited appeal for enthusiasm on the defence question. The spirit suggesting the presentation of a "'Breadroii'dit"' was. ho .-aid. a splendid one. Melbourne, March 21. The newspapers' suggestion for the presenting of "a "Dreadnought" has strong general support. An enthusiastic meet in? of the Stock Kxc-hange carried a resolution asking that Parliament ho called together to authorise the building of a gift"'**Drcadnoiight." _ The Ear! of Dudley and many public men have expressed approval of the presentation. Telegrams from other States, indicate a fiiiiilar feeling. Received March 22. at.~8.50 a.m. Berlin, March 21. The warship Vondertann, known as a cruiser, was launched at Hamburg with •.'-eat secrecy. She has a tonnage of 19.009. while the crew numbers 900. London, March 21. The Manchester "Guardian states that Germany has pushed her shipbuilding programme purely to help the unemployed. All the newspapers are giving prominence to the suggested Australian "Dreadnought." and are expressing pleasure at the patriotic thought. Mr Keir Kardie, speaking at .Sheffield; declared tnat it was the people's duty not to support the Government, but to stretch their hands across the Xorth Sea to their German colleagues and make war upon the common enemy, the capitalist system. The Xavy League Befence Committee, the London Chamber of Commerce, and the Imperial Maritime League are arranging for a navy campaign throughout the count rv.

Mr J. L. Garvin, editor of the Observer, states that Mr Lloyd-George and Mr 'Winston Churchill are responsible for whittling down Admiral Sir John Fisher's proposals, and urges that four "Breadnoughts" be laid down in June, four in November, and that the Brazilian warships be bought to avoid the risk of their passing to Germany. If Mr Asquith refuses to adopt this course, the House of Lords must reject- the Budget and force a dissolution. Received March 22. at 10.30 a.m. Melbourne, .March 22. Mr Beakin has pointed out that if Britain accepted a position of content with a nav*- as strong only as one of her possible foes, .fche whole theory whereon/Australian defence was founded would disappear. Her present defence .force was maintained upon tho assumption that Britain's navy was powerful enough to master any combi'natiou of Powers. •Sir W. J. Lyne warmly supports the presentation of a ''Dreadnought." He is convinced that the people would give a ready response if asked.