FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS POLICY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13922, 29 March 1909, Page 5

FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS POLICY.

SOME SPECULATIONS. (Received March 29, 9.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 29. Mr Andrew Fisher's policy speech will probably indicate that the aim of the Government will be to provide, in the- course of time, such a fleet in Australian waters that the Imperial squadron may be withdrawn and that if. necessity arises the Australian Navy may undertake the duty of patrolling the South Seas and policing the Islands. . - He may indicate that it is necessary to start more.tprpedoera and that three or four submarines be added to the boat already ordered. It is also>BX* pected that ho will -declare in ravour of a modified scheme of compulsory training. He is expected to propose either a land or a property tax for defence purposes. . "FOLLOW THE LEAD." The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the citizens of Sydney, has cabled to Sir Joseph Ward congratulating him on his noble offer to Britain, and adding that Australia had no alternative but to follow the lead. '