AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11694, 21 October 1905, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE.

Proposals of the Federal Government.

Press Associations-Telegraph.— Copyright. Received October 21, 9.16 a.m. MELBOURNE, October 21. In the House, Mr Ewing outlined the Government defence policy. It was proposed to stand by the agreement as regards naval affairs with the Imperial Government. Costal harbour defence was the first ]>rob]em, and it was estimated that half a million to a million would be required to put .tbeyforts in efficient ordor. 'Iho Government intended to get the- very best advice- in the matter before starting to spend money. At the present feime they Jiad only one rifle for every thirty men on the electoral rolls, aAI it was jn'oposed to spend all the money available on rifles, purchasing 8000 at a cost of .£34,000. The leading feature of the policy would be the development and improvement of the Cadets and rifle clubs, and the increasing of the output of ammunition and small arms.