AUSTRALIAN POLITICS
Federal Government Defence
Proposals.
Eight Thousand Rifles to be
Purchased.
Heavy Outlay Probable
Government to Get Best Expert
Advice
Anti=Gambling Legislation.
Tote Betting to be Suppressed.
(Received To-day, at 9.16 a.m.) Melbourne, This Day. House, Mr Thomas T. Ewing (RSffiond) outlined the Government Defence policy. He proposed to stand by the agreement as regards naval affairs with the Imperial Government.
The coastal harbour defences was the first problem. It is estimated that from half-a-million to a million pounds will bo required to put the forts in efficient order.
The Government intended, he said, to get the very best advice on the matter before starting to spend money.
At the present lime they had only one rifle for every thirty men on the electoral rolls. They proposed to spend all the money available on the purchase of rifles, purchasing eight thousand at a cost of £34,000.
The leading feature in the policy will be the development and improvement of Cadet and Rifle Clubs, and increasing the output of ammunition for small arms.
The State Cabinet decided to submit a Bill to Parliament to suppress tote-betting, the police efforts having proved unavailing.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WDT19051021.2.19.1
Bibliographic details
Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8279, 21 October 1905, Page 5
Word Count
192AUSTRALIAN POLITICS Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 8279, 21 October 1905, Page 5
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