NAVAL DEVELOPMENT

Southland Times, Issue 14371, 18 March 1910, Page 5

NAVAL DEVELOPMENT

THE QUESTION OF SUPREMACY. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, Mar. 16. The Right Hon. T. Lough’s amendment to reduce the navy vote by 3000 men was negatived by 225 to 34. Mr McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, said that the two-power standard defined by Mr Asquith on May 26th last was not exceeded by the estimates. The Admiralty considered that five Dreadnoughts would not be wanted before 1913, and also that it was expedient to delay commencing them until the latest possible date. The vote was ultimately agreed to. The Pall Mall Gazette publishes for the first time the text of Lord Cawdor’s memorandum. The object is to establish Admiral Beresford’s contention that there is a shortage of cruisers for the protection ofi commerce. COLONIAL MATT3BS. SYDNEY, Mar. 17. The cruiser Encounter lias sailed for Colombo, where she will recommission. Mr Deakin has announced that a contract has been let for an armoured cruiser (which will be the flagship of the Commonwealth fleet) to John Brown and Company, Glasgow. She will be completed in two years. Lieutenants Feakes and Biddlecombe, colonial officers, have passed their examinations in navigation and pilotage for the command of torpedo craft. MELBOURNE, Mar. 17. The Australian Natives’ Association adopted a resolution in favour of the Government’s defence policy, but against borrowing money to carry out the proposals ; also recommending the establishment of an Australian Navy League. LONDON, March 16. Received 17, 8.5 p.m. John Brown and Company, Clydebank and Fairfield , Company, Govan, have each contracted for an Australasian battleship. ATTITUDE OP COMMERCE. LONDON, Mar. 16. Lord Brassey, presiding at the Jubilee meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, said that the two-power standard must be maintained, and that Britain would have to lay down two keels to one. BSCOBO CLYDE BUILDING. LONDON. March 17. Received March 17. 10.30 p.m. With the two Indomitables for Australia and New Zealand the Clyde shipbuilders have under construction a record weight of naval work, including two British Dreadnoughts, three cruisers, and a small fleet of destroyers..