THE BRITISH NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10104, 23 March 1909, Page 4

THE BRITISH NAVAL ESTIMATES.

TBy Electric Telegraph—Goiteigut.] (Per Press Association - .) Uc-eivc" March 23- »<■ °-« »- m London, ZHarcn. 12. Tiie cruiser Rellona and the destroyer Crusader have been launched. Several members of the House of Commons on both sides of the House are pro.-ing Mr Asqitith for an explanation •.e-Mi-diii-i the fruitless overtures to Ger"|">ir Asquith. dealing with Mr Ualfonr's estimate.-.\stari-i that-Germany had given an explicit and most- distinct declaration that site did not intend to further accelerate her programme, though this v. as not a. r.i-dze in~t::e sense of an agreement, ■tni'l iC was imposoihle to put it l-.efore I'aili.-.irent. The Government's programme was Uiscd upon the that the declaration would i»e carried out. 'there t;;!c ho pcv-ihilily of an arrange- >:■■ :it with Germain" for a mutual rcdiic- !::■;!. Efforts it! ti.iit -lire :t;oii had l.<en r.. : -i-- and had tailed, if I lermany «•-• oh-latc-d her bttildiue:. Britain would Isave ;i:o- dating the year to make the iteces'ibe Koinh-che Zeit■.;.:;j 'now explains that no proposals were put forward, but ;■ ,-:ri::.ienti::l iuqtiirv v.as ma tie, whu.'. C-nnaiiv dedii.-d to entertain on the _-Y.,ui!-l that si:- was t:-.:, - : - n:i::-d to execute '"'M-".St':.::dard ttif.i that the movement ■i;.<l '-.- the r. :.-pi •= . f the Navy. Iniperial, and Maritime f.>-ae:'ie.-> is ivx-iusiveiy na-;l-nel. a:i.l solely to a-.-uie Britain's su!>"Tho "Tim' - ;i ."'"!i-eus.--,iiig Mr Asquiiii"--- dif-■-'•■U-'i '■'- "J :'--m-"'7 his '-oih'Uties. win Jr.- f-o m - :c!: iustiitet with i-eii-prcset v;:- >;'.■: He .an avert a party division and r- habilitate tiie Government in the- csti-n-il-u of tkc_ rnhlie by an explicit and noti'.-ht.-" v.-ill "be begun in 19GQ, and completed in the most rapid time. ■IEV7 ZEALAND'S OFFER. HinV TitK OFI-'KII »A< REC'IOVEI) IX EX'I LAND. Ke.-eivcd March 23. at 3.15 a.m. London. March 22. ,\![ the- r.e-.vsji.fiLfs ate placarding Reut, : .- te:-,rt of New /''■ ;!and"i= otter of a ■ - i)T<-a-;'"-'t: ht' - and another if necessary. ">'h- Pall Mall Gazette declare.- that- :t Is a n-a-uitieeut . ifet - . and should act as a >tit".niaiU to the Mother Country to pl.o-c- patriotism i clore party. '1 he" Tim-s' military correspondent. f...arin_- that it is impossible to sntiiciently re-es: ii.i:-"h naval and military supremacy. •ar.es ;l,e raising •>- a million* v.el'l-traiueil P.eriia. March 22. Tiie 11-rman r-ttisev Voiidertann wis reo'v for "--a .-i" menths i-efore the oriieia! "'ate. She v.-t £1.555.C00. only £SGO ••I)'r.i.'i!nou::hts" l>i-;n_- built for her to auv Power, she d-.-.iaic-:- - ihat th-.y iire ne'tssarv for the nrotectie.n of iter own ACTIVITY IX AUSTRALIA. l:-:-e-:ived March 22. at 11.35 p.m. Sydney. Mateh 22._ hi/type in the contents bid of one ct thcevi papers. • T:....- prompttiess and r.tagrdtude of_ the Ih aii-iiot-.'s (tier i- tin.-l:t:tvdiy admtitd. :■• the s-iiue ti.ae adtutration is tempered v.itii :',»:■ di-.i:iioi:ii:eer.t that New Zea-l>:-!r \V.:J- de.s r.-t favor presc-ntiu- a at'th.-'V.wn Il'ai!. Sir H. ilitv.-son. refer- ' ''"7;-;-: Motan. interviewed, said i o ;-'-•:-'ii''!ur.err l! : lie 'ipl^d"',-eon' the p^-~-.'jv •- i t!'e world. i;e_i-:vid Match 23. at 0.15 a.in. M-.-Ibottrtie. March 22. Mi" t'isi:!.:-. in an intvi vie-.v. declared i;:it.:i:i than the a'ift of a ""Dioaduoiigiit. ' tie proposed :•> deal with the whole q.jesrc L M. tulay. ' Sydney, March 23. At ;■ i-r1.;.:.- dit;. : er civ. n t*> Sir jr. JJiO. i 'lj e: it it a "iji .aiillotiallt"' illlld "fhe'Loi.! M.iy.-.s ..f Sydney and Mel- ;..!■' '[Vr-i;.. "' ineetlnas' "'to " forward "ilie -Da. a.lttoti.dit"' presentation, and ale also . ..a-.mr.ui. ai-itu- with the May.,is <d other "- ' Brisbane. Mar. h 22. Mr Kido-.n chelated that lie would be a-hame.l to as.-oeiate himself with Mich a panic- proposal as pre.-eutin-: a "'Dreadttou.ht." He had no soit of sympatby vitii nnt.-ic- hail patrioti-m or feverish action. If ne. cssary. iet Uritaiu tioat a loan, for naval e ii-trt:ction. but whatever wa- do:;.-, let it he done .... ith cool judgment. Received March 23. at 9.50 a.m. Melbourne. March 23. Mr Fisher think-.: the methods he intends to suggest will icttc-r serve the pur-[..,.-e wheie.it .'til are aiming than the presutatlon of a battleship. Referring to New Zealand's action he said : "The cirttirsistflnets ill the Dominion are not the i.'ir.t us ours. For ail practical purposes the Dominion is reiving implicitly upon the Imperial navy ana dots not contemi late tiie establishment- of a navv of her own as we do." The Mayor, in acceding to the rei.;iest of a deputation to cdl a "Dread-co-iLiiit' - meetin.'. dn.-b.rc-j that Australia would not p.-rmit herself to be outdone t.v Xcw Zealand. AI'STR.U.IAX NEWSPAPER CdMMKXTr?. Be.etcd March 23. at 10.55 a.m. Sydney, March 25. Th. - Sydney Morning Herald, after re-f.ii-iiiL: to tin- evidences, on all sides, and expressed through every available channel. of the readiness of tiie great majority of Australians to commit themselves to some considerable M'.critice in order to assist- the Mother Country in what they regard as a great diliiculty, says: "It is the plain duty of our statesmen to assist or compel Mr I'tsher to devise a plan which will enable .Australia to rival the generosity of New - Zealand and do her sliare in what we believe to be the cause of peace as well as safety." Tiie Telegraph declares that New Zealand's offer" is a significant- hint to the world at large that the oversea, dominions will not be content with iiployalty. and hopes that Australia's response will be equally emphatic. Received March 25, at 10.55 a.m. Melbourne, March 25. Mr Murray, speaking on defence matters, said he was not apprehensive that Germany and Britain were going to fight. The German was a peace-loving fellow who did not go about- looking for ■'stoosh." He would like to see neither country misled into a fit of war hysterics. When occasion arose the Mother Country would be entitled to have from Australia

the last man and penny for the- defence of the Empire. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OPINION 'Pe" Press A.ssotatAT»oir-'> Auckland, rtfarch 22. ■ Mr jrassey, trie Opposition leader, was asked to-day if he had anything to say about the discussion on the naval estimates in the Imperial Parliament, as affecting this country. "Just this," said Alt Massey, "most people are awaro thafcour contribution to the Royal Navy will be increased to £IOO,OOO per annum as from May nest. Under ordinaiy circumstances it would be a fair contribution, but extraordinary circumstances may arise, if they have not already arisen, and I am quite cure, whether we are enjoying prosperity or experiencing adversity, the New Zeaianders will be quite willing to do tiieir duty alons with the people of other colonies in assisting to maintain the supremacy of the British navy.' This statement was made, it may be added, prior to the news of the offer of a battleship b'Mii" received, ill - Massey having left the city early.' At a meeting of the Newmarket Borough Cotmci! to-night it was resolved that in view of the serious state of affairs in regard to the nan - requirements, this Council places on record iU appreciation of the action of the Ministry in offering to present- the Imperial Government with a battleship, believing, as it does, that tlie whole fundamental basis of peace and tiie security of the Dominion of New Zealand in particular is founded on the strength •>:' the British navv. Welliaglou. March 22. Tito executive of the Wellington branch of the Navy League held a special meetin.' this, afternoon, "and pa.-seel it re-solu-tion if.-.i!tily endorsing the Cabinets offer •-., the British (loveriin-ioiit in connection with ike- naval crisis. Timaru, March 22. At a meeting of the Timara Borough Council to-night the Mayor and Councillor.-, expressed great satisfaction with the action of the IJovernnient in deriding to present rhe .Mother Country with a battleship, and decided to forward a motion of appreciation to the Premier. The motion was carried unanimously, and councillors immediately on passing it- rose and sang a verse of the National Anthem. Wellington, March 22. Sir Joseph Ward told a New Zealand Times reporter to-night that he is receiving numerous congratulatory telegrams of s strongly patriotic nature, and feels certain the Government's offer will be

endorsed l>y everybody who gives the position :i serious thought. People of both sides of politics have telegraphed their appreciation and endorsement, lie fully rciognises the responsibility at a jmicture of this kiiitl. Delay would ho out of the question, if we wanted to be of service to the Old Land the only thing was to act at once, and show the outside world that the Geimans' extraordinary building programme provided a situation which jttsti■ied yew Zealand showing that the Old Country can rely on the assistance of the people in the outlying dependencies. The actual interest we would pay for the undertaking of the kind would amount to only Is 3d per head. The most dispassionate emits would recognise this was avorv small thing to pay lor the value re- • cived in the shape of protection, apart ulto.cther from the local desire of the residents of XVw /calami to maintain the p:,v.vr of their own Umpire. Interviewed regarding the offer of a. b.ntilrship. Mr J."l'. Luke, 1f.1'., thinks the Government did right in acting promptly, and not waiting for Parliament to meet. Mr F. M. 15. Fisher. M.P.. considered it- wouid have been preferable if the Government had followed the precedent set by the late Mr Seddon, who circularised members of Parliament before sending a .ontiugou: to South Africa. Mr A. L. ilerdmait declined to express an opinion till the full details of the offer w. "o before him. Mr K. A. Wright. M.P.. wants more evM. t -r,_v ielore he is c.i-l.i.cd the.;' is urgent need. i<>r such a.->istance. Mr T. M. Wiiford. M.l'., was not prepared to give a definite opinion on the • itt'vr. though he believes the destiny and fate of X"\v Zealand will one dav he settied in the hnglish Channel. Mr David M'Laren. M.P.. objected to the Government committing the country to such an expenditure without consulting Parliament. He was against the offer, as a matter of ethics, apart altogether from politics. Auckland. March 23. the Auckland Stock Kxchange passed ■• resolution congratulating Sir J. G. Ward on taking the initiative in offering to provide funds for a battleship, thereby setting a noble example to the Lriti.ii < clonics. The members present expressed unanimous approval of the Premier's action, three hearty cheers being eiven by way of emphasis. Dunedin, March. 23. ?dr Malcolm. ?d.P.. heartilv approves of Sir J. G. Waid's action, 'lie wishes it had been possiMe to i oiist'.lt Parliament, but tit-' truth that "he gives twice who giv -; iii;ii:kiy" cerlainiy holds now. Colonial support- of the nature of Xew Zealand's will undoubtedly strengthen British >tat--smcu in making any representations thev.think necessarv. Mr Frase-r. M.P. for Wakatipu, approves the I'ieml- r's otfer. Britain needs no assistance from her colonies, lie says, to huiid up an adequate navy, but the colonies owe it to themselves to give the world tangible pionfs that the sentiment of kinship is vital and indestructible in face of and regardless, of sacrifice's it may involve. The JTon. J. P. Sinclair warmly approves the proposal, and thinks the Prime Minister has rightly gauged the feeling o: the country. Sir .Limes 'Mills entirely sympathises with the Cabinet in their offer, which will he- more appreciated on account of its spontaneity. Without the maritime supremacy of 'liritain is established the Dominion wiil lie at the mercy of a hostile The Hon. J-. B. Calkin, a former major < f viilimtiers, says that the most of Germain- is militant, and her immense armv is spoiling for a fight. (Special to Oamaru Mail.) By Telegraph. Dunedin, March 23. The Star says:—"Sir J. U. Ward and his colleagues, active in the spirit of the late K. .1. Seddon, have risen to the occasion and accurately gauged the sentiment, of the Dominion. At such crises promptness is everything, and on this ground the plea of a special meeting of Parliament lacks force. There are times when constitutional rules must not be pedantically pressed and the Governmentmay reiy upon their ready and sagacious action lieing ratified by "the Legislature and the people. The minority will lanegligible. Xor should the demand for detailed evidence regarding the urgency of the situation be too insistently advanced. The Ministry doubtless have more information than it is expedient- should be published. The hour has struck for a new ami patriotic movement on sane and resolute lines, and IN'ew Zealand may take a legitimate pride in leading the way." (From Our Own Correspondent.) Christchurch, March 25. Tiie Lyttelton Times says :—"We have already expressed our conviction that the people will enthusiastically endorse the action of the Government, and if Sir Joseph "Ward follows the decision to present the battleship to the navy with proposals that will enable the great hulk of the people to contribute towards the cost he will leave, no ground for criticism either by foreigners or by -Vew Zealanders. Moreover, by framing the special taxation on right- lines, he will relieve the poorer classes from any extra burden and wiil be able to rake the necessary money with a minimum of hardship. The incident should be a great lesson to all of us. It is not an occasion for vainglorious boasting or self-satisfied pride. We may feel that Xew Zealand, thanks to the courage of the Government, has been able to setan example to the other colonies, as it <!i<i in the early > days of the Boer war, but that is really the least important' aspect of the matter. What is important is that Xew Zealand has at length shown a proper recognition of her responsibilities and has atoned for the puny inadequacy of her past contributions to the Imperial IX aw."