THE COMMONWEALTH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4894, 25 September 1901, Page 1

THE COMMONWEALTH.

London, September 20. ? Mk Cbimhetlain haß informed tbe ship* owners interested in the Australian trader that be is telegraphing to Lord ELopetona/f in reference to the inter-State Ck).mmisslon Bill and in regard to the objections ' thereto. l' . Saptemb§r 21. ' Lieutenant-general Sir H. J. Hildyard his declined the command of the Australian Federal Forces. Mm^botjrnb, September 21. The vaporfc of the Co\om*\ Defence Committee, in London, on Australian defence has been tabled in the' Federal House. It sets out that the maintenance of British supremacy at sea is a first condition of security of Australian territory and trade in war. No territory is so little liable to hostile raids Mp* foreign cruisers so long as British naval supremacy ia maintained. In indicating measures of defence, a wfiU-avg&ais&d military force with long-range, weapons and smokeless powder is pat first ;- { secondly, fully garrisoned shore batteries" and submarine mine fields ; thirdly, aa f adequate field force. With the exception of a nue'eus of permanent troops, the committee considers that the military forces should consist of partially paid troops. The adoption of the magazine rifle is assumed. The Federal Govern*, meat is advised to . at once secure larger^ reserves of ammunition. Stress is laid on the desirability of the interchange of military units with England. The report, of the Commonwealth Military Pay Committee has also been tabled. Tha ecale'of pay for the permanent forces recommended ranges from £1,500 a year for major-general to from 2i 6 i up to d% 6cl a day for privates and guQnera \ the pay of the permanent naval forces to be decided on a military basis; For the military forces 8a a day is recommended as the lowest rate of pay. September 22. The ■ appointment of a■• Federal' Commandant will be made in a few days. Major-general Button's name is growing in favor with the Cabinet. Mr Chamberlain, has cabled to Mr Barton that be has received a memorial from a number of the gfeafc steaa&Up lines protesting againei the Inter-State Commission Bill applying to the ocean trade, on the grounds, that the powers proposed to be conferred^are capable of being employed- to., destroy, freedom of contract in traffic artfdisojrip;el "the>.f ullest disclosure of- t*e nMmagfemejatof^fee business. Mr Ohain^r^ayi %ms that doubtleas Federal Miniate»*4fHl give full consideration to the protest. Mr Barton cays the message clearly indicates that the r Secretary of State is not interfering in our legislative affairs.