THE BRITISH NAVY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14785, 18 March 1910, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

VOTE AGREED TO. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 16. In the House of Commons Mr Lough's amendment to reduce the navy vote by 3000 men was negatived by 225 to 34. Mr M'Kenna 6aid that the two-Power standard, as defined by Mr Asquith on May 26 last, was 'not sxceeded by the Estimates. The Admiralty Board considered that five Dreadnoughts were not wanted before 1913. It was also expedient to delay commencing them until the latest possible moment. The vote was ultimately agreed to. SHORTAGE OF CRUISERS. LONDON, March-16. The Pall Mall Gazette publishes the text of Lord Cawdor's memorandum for the first time. Its object is to establish Lord C. Beresford's contention that there is a shortage of cruisers for the protection of commerce. TRAINING COLONIAL OFFICERS. LONDON, March 16. Lieutenants Feakes and Biddlecombe, colonial officers, have passed their examinations in navigation and pilotage for the command of torpedo craft.

DEFENCE OF AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, March 17. The cruiser Encounter has left for Colombo, where she reeommissions. Mr Deaki-n- announces that the contract for the armoured cruiser which will be the flagship of the Commonwealth Ilest has been let to the John Brown Company (Glasgow), and that she will bo completed in two years. AUSTRALASIAN BATTLESHIPS. LONDON, March 17. (Received ; Ma.ich 17, at 8.5 p.m.) The John Brown Company (Clydebank) and the Fairfield Company (Govan) have each contracted for the construction of an Australasian battleship. A BUSY TIME AHEAD. LONDON, March 17. (Received- March 17, at 10.30 p.m.) With the two Indomitables for Australia and New Zealand, the Clyde shipbuilders liavo under construction a record weight of naval work, including two British Dreadnoughts, three cruisers, and a small fleet of destroyers.