THE COMMONWEALTH.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 23, 8 December 1909, Page 7

THE COMMONWEALTH.

Lord Kitchener has left Singapore /or Java, en route to Australia, where he reports on the military forces to the Commonwealth Government. During the debate on the second reading of the Naval Loan Bill in the House of Representatives, Mr. Fisher, Leader of the Opposition, protested against borrowing for defence purposes. He asked the Government to withdraw the measure till the electors have been consulted. Mr. Deakin said the nations of Europe were making frantic efforts to increase their naval power, and Australia needed a fleet unit without delay. Australasia retained the Davis Cup without its representatives being called upon for their full resources, the wnole five games being won. Indeed, the Americans only succeeded in capturing a single set, though they put up a great fight in the Doubles. In the first match the Victorian, Brookes, outclassed McLoughlin at every point, winning 6 —2, 6—2, 6—4. Long put up a tougher fight against the New Zealander Wilding, but was beaten (i—2, 7—5, 6—l. In the doubles the contest was the finest ever witnessed on Sydney courts, though not up to the standard of the Davis Cup match last year, when Wilding and Brookes beat Alexander and Wright. Tile first set was won by Australia 12—10, the second by 9—7, and the third by 6—4. The final singles were won by Wilding from McLoughlin 3—6, B—6,8 —6, 6—2. 6—3. while Brookes beat Long 6—4, 7—5, B—6.