CABLE NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2438, 1 March 1909, Page 5

CABLE NEWS

IMPERIAL DEFENCE. GERMANY EXPEDITING SHIPBUILDING. ENGLISH RADICALS OPPOSE INCREASE OF BRITISH NAVY. United Press Association, Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 26. There are persistent reports that Germany’s naval shipbuilding is in. advance of her programme, and that the work is being further expedited. The “Times” states that it v is understood two improved Indomitable*, under the estimates for 1909-1910, will be laid down at the Clyde forthwith, and their construction expedited. There are persistent Radical activities throughout the country against the Government’s reported decision in favor of six Dreadnoughts. The “Chronicle” and “Daily News” claim that the Cabinet is unlikely to exceed four, reserving power to extend the programme. The “Chronicle” hints at floating a naval loan. THE AUSTRALIAN - NAVY. ACTION OF NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT. x . SYDNEY, Feb. 27. The State Government has informed the Prime Minister of its willingness to construct' destroyers in the Government dockyards. ACTION OF NATIONAL LIBERAL FEDERATION. ADVOCATES ECONOMY IN DEFENCE EXPENDITURE. (Received Feb. 28, 4.15 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 27. Sir Edward Evans, presiding at the general committee of the National Liberal Federation, said that they had heard much about increases in armaments, but , the Government ’ would have to show good ,cause before the Liberals assented to an increase. The Government’s policy of jmace throughout the world was the strongest possible. He added that if the Conservatives came into power now there would be a frightful catastrophe, hardly exceeded by the Messina earth-

quake. .‘After the rejection of an amendment from Scarborough against the policy of unnecessary shipbuilding, a resoliition by the Executive Committees was unanimously adopted, reaffirming the principles of economy in naval' and military expenditure. To this was added the following: “The committee cannot recognise on the evidence at present before the country that a case had been established for the suggested increase in naval expenditure.”

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS.

TWO POINTS OF VIEW. Commenting upon the addition to the resolution, the “Daily News” writes ‘This refers to the demand for six Dreadnoughts in 1909 and probably six more, in 1910. The Federation’s resolution, as we have reason to believe, has not only saved the Government. from speedy disruption, but maintained the great ideal of Liberalism.” „ The “Times,” referring to the firmness shown by Mr. Asquith in dealing with the deputation from the Trades Union Congress,, expresses a hope that the same attitude will unflinchingly be maintained in the probable event of an open straggle in the party over the. naval estimates. MR. HALDANE’S PROPOSALS. CONCURRED IN BY COMMONWEALTH COMMANDANT. (Received Feb. 28, 4.44 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 27. Mr,' Haldane,- replying to Mr. Wv Redmond regarding the military proposals to the colonies, stated that Ma-jor-General Hoad, the Commonwealth Commandant, had expressed his full concurrence. Mr. Haldane hoped, therefore, that the. proposals would commend themselves to the Commonwealth Government. _ •