The British Navy.

Temuka Leader, Issue 5794, 23 March 1909, Page 2

The British Navy.

NKW ZEALAND OFFERS THE MOTHER COUNTRY A FIRSTCLASS BATTLE SHIP. WELLINGTON, March 22

In an interview with a press representative to-day, the Prime Minister stated that the unanimity of both sides, which the recent debate in the British House of Commons had disclosed with regard to the gravity of the- situation between the Motherland and Germany, in so far as our naval ascendency is concerned, cannot be misinterpreted. No room is left for , doubt that England feels that her supremacy on the seas is now seriously threatened by the amazing naval activity of the German dockyards. It' appears clear that all thoughtful -men in Great Britain recognise that the Empire must set itself with the utmost determination, and if necessary, sacriJice, to maintain its naval suprcjuacy, upon which not only our honbur, but our national greatness depends. The burden lying upon the British nation for naval expenditure is at present enormous, and every loyal subject of the Crown must feel that in a time of crisis liku this ho is called ivpoiu to help the Motherland with more than words. Now Zealand is proud of past proofs of her loyalty to 'the -Mother Country, and stands to-day in the estimation of British people as among the first in tlm; British Dominions for a ready and loyal response where the necessities of the Empire call for it. The Prime Minister said that in these ci renins lances the Government New Zealand felt its obligations to assist the Motherland, and u Cabinet meeting this morning had unanimously agreed to the Prihio Minister's proposal, that this country should offer to defray the cost of the immediate building and arming of one first-class battleship of the latest type, and if subsequent events show it to bo necessary, would provide the cost of a second warship of the same type. •Sir .J. C. Ward said that he had sent this oiler to His Excellency the Governor and to the Secretary of State for the Colonics this afternoon. He went on to say that this was a time wlien any waiting or halting on (he part of the New Zealand Govern-

incut would enormously lessen the value of any assistunoc wo mignt eventually give, and ho felt confident that u matter touching our miti<j!nil existence would be considered as above party consideration, and would up[>eal to every section of the community as a riudit mid proper tluiio- to do. Apart Iroiu the moral effect of this offer it had to Ire lHiiembered that e,\"en upon the grounds of self-interest it is amply justified, since in this country tin; value of our national and private wealth is tio W nearly C(;O(!,()(M),(ll)0. This largely depends upon the I'.ritish Navy for its se-'-uritv and defence.

The I'rime Minister added that this determination had not been hurriedly arrived at. He had been revolving the whole matter for some days past, and after anx'ious and careful consideration, had brought it before some of his colleagues on Saturdav niorninir last..

All the Minister-- were present at the. ine,-tin L , ~f the Cabinet. to-daV, when the matter was dealt with, and as he had alcndv stated, the proposal had been cordiaHv and unanimous h a -seated to.