THE BRITISH NAVY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9403, 25 March 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

Per PresS Association. —By Elec- , trio Telegraph.—Copyright. London, March 24. The Evening News publishes a cablegram from Sir Joseph Ward explaining the offer of Dreadnoughts. The Times suggests that the best use to which the co-operation offered by the Dominions is applicable is towards strengthening the defences of each in its own quarter of the world. Otfcwaa, March 24. The Toronto Globe compliments “Plucky little New,Zealand cn uttering the first reminder that there are more Britons than those at Home.’’ Canada ought not to leave New Zealand long alone in that respect. Within two years Canada should 'be able and ought to place three Dreadnoughts at the Motherland’s disposal. Melbourne, March 24, Mr Fisher stated that the public clamour for the Federal Government to take action in the matter of the Dreadnought will be over in a few days. He said it would be a fine and handsome thing to borrow money to make a gift and allow posterity to pay, C ff the loan. The Government have to find the monej for Australia’s own defence and that was difficult enough. | NEW ZEALAND’S OFFER. Wellington, March 24, Among the congratulatory messages received by the Premier are the following• From Lord Onslow—Your former Governor is proud of the lead taken in the Bmpir.e by the Dominion of New Zealand. From Lord Ranfurly—Hearty congratulations on the magnificent offer of a warship. The effect is excellent. New Plymouth and Napier Borough Councils passed motions approving of the gift of a Dreadnought. NEW ZEALAND’S SHIP ACCEPTED. Received March 25, 9.0 a.m. London, March 34. In the House of Commons Mr Asquith announced that the Govern- ( ment had accepted New Zealand’s offer. Earl Crewe has cabled an important despatch to Lord Plunket. Oapretown, March 24. South African newspapers mostly urge continuity of naval policy and the maintenance of a two-Power , standard. AMERICA AND BRITAIN. New York, March 24. The Sun declares that Americans are acutely involved in any disaster that might befall England, and are not blind to their own interests. AUSTRALIAN OPINION. DIVIDED COUNSELS. Received March 25, 10.30 a.m. Sydney, March 25. Dreadnought promises amounting to £60,000 were given at a meeting convened by the Lord Mayor in the Town Hall fco-night for the purpose of launching a Dreadnought fund, which promises to be a monster demmonstration. The Herald says if this meeting and one convened in Melbourne 1 are enthusiastic and unanimous it does not despair of Mr Fisher allowing popular feeling being expressed through a constitutional channel. If he fails to do so Mr Fisher will lose the best opportunity Australia has had of vindicating her claim to have a share of the Government of the Empire and of displaying “the unity of the Empire to the world. But should he fail there is no reason why New South Wales and Votoria should not do as much as New Zealand. Brisbane, March 25. The Mayor in replying to a request from the Stock Exchange to call a Dreadnought meeting, did not think himself justified in doing so. He said he did not like inaugurating a panic movement. Perth, March 25. The local branch of the Australian Natives Association resolved that the presentation of a Dreadnought was out of place at the present time as all money available should be devoted to the Australian navy. Melbourne, March 25. Members of the Ministry favour a concerted action of the States in regard to the Dreadnought scheme.