SUGGESTED LOAN QF CRUISERS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12475, 27 February 1909, Page 3

SUGGESTED LOAN QF CRUISERS.

1 DISCUSSION BY THE HOUSE OF > LORDS. ' ■ " ■ • ■ ■■:._■■ I Received Feb. 27. 0.55 a.m. : London, Feb .26. 1 In the House of Lords, Lord Brassey ' called attention to the Colonial Con- ' ference of 1907 in its relation to naval ■ defence, and the correspondence since, 1 and suggested the loan or gift to ; Australasia .of protected .seqpnd class ' cruisers. Lord Ellenborough said he was glad ' that Australia had begun on right lines, in providing a destroj'er to be in readiness on the spot in case of emergency. Could Major Dv Mauner visit' Australia" and write a play similar to "An -Englishman's Home, in;colo.uial surroundiiigsj the change of 1 -Mr Haldans inducing Australia- to rai^e five divisions would be considerably increa'sed.^ " : . Lord Granard made, a sympaifchetic reply. He emphasised New/Zealand'-s most patriotic action in increasing her contribution relying on the Mather land to do her best, for protection. Regarding Lord Brassey' s" suggestion, the Admiralty found that no vessel suitable for such a v purpose seen in the Solent, would require much expenditure upon repairs. The Admiralty viewed with satisfaction any effort r the^ colonies might make towards establishing' fleets for- their own protection. It^ would most carefully con- " Biderany scheme submitted, and would . be pleased to give any advice that TFpuld'be serviceable to the polonies,