DEFENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14062, 20 November 1909, Page 5

DEFENCE.

AN IMPERIAL ARMY

iPress Association-By Telegraph-Copyright LONDON, Nov. 18.

Lord Lucas, speaking at the Liberal Colonial Club, described the efforts that aro being made to secure a homogenous Imperial Army. Thirty Imperial officers were now serving in, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, while twelvo of their officers were in Britain. It was possible that a Canadian hattalion would be present at the next British manoeuvres. Tho military forces of tho Empire totalled almost a million and a. quarter.

COMPULSORY TRAINING. LONDON, Nov. 18. General Sir Edward Hutton speaking at tho Colonial Institute, said that tho compulsory system of military training proposed by the Australian Government solved tho problem of defence, id was an example not only to sister nations, but to the Motherland. Blue Books dealing with the Imperial Defence Conference liavo been published in London. THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY. .MELBOURNE, Nov. 19. Resolutions approving of the naval policy 'under the agreement reached at the Defence Conference liave been adopted. A Loan Bill will he introduced within a fortnight. The Government does not think that any. money will bo required this year. The keel of the new cruiser will ho laid early next vear, and the first instalment of money will not he needed till June. The Admiralty was willing to undertake tho financial schemo for the Government, but it was thought desirable not to proceed in that way.

AMERICAN BATTLESHIPS. Received 11.25 p.m., Nov. I9th. NEW YORK, Nov. 19. The American Secretary to the Navy s<sk"= Congress for two 26,000 ton battleships. NAVY TO COME FIRST. LONDON, Nov. 19. - • The "Daily Mail" reports that Germany's estimates propose £1,500,000 of nn increase for naval purposes, and £l,500,000 decreaso in tho military vote.