THE BRITISH NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2460, 26 March 1909, Page 4

THE BRITISH NAVY.

NEW ZEALAND’S OFFER AC-*

CEPTED. THANKS FROM BRITISH M.P.’S(Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 25. This morning the Prime Minister received the following cablegram, dated London, 24th March: “Members of House of Commons cordially appreciate magnificent offer of New Zealand Dominion. Signatures by mail.” Hundreds of congratulatory messages all acclaiming New Zealand’s gilt, continue to pour in on Sir Joseph Ward. Colonel Charter, who is atpresent in London, cabled: “Congratulation; New Zealanders here proud.” “Weil done New Zealand,” runs another cable iroxn London. A doctor cabled as follows: “CongratulationsDreadnought offer Britannia, which keeps the watch and ward. ' LONDON, March 24. In the House of Commons the Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, announced that the Government had accepted New Zealand’s offer. The Earl of Crewe has cabled an important despatch to Lord Plunket. FOREIGN BATTLESHIPS BUILDING IN ENGLAND. GOVERNMENT WILL NOT SECURE RIGHT TO PURCHASE THEM. (Received. March 25, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, March 25. In the House of Commons, Air. McKenna, in reply to Viscount Hehnsley, said that it was not desirable to secure the refusal of foreign battleships new bein'! bnuilt in England, If we wanted ships we should build oureelves. Our superiority in strength in 1900 and 1910 would be'sc great that their purchase l:y another Power could not alarm the Board of Admiralty. CLYDE SHIPBUILDING CAPAGiTY.AERIAL NAVIGATION. (Received March 25, 10-20 p.m.) LONDON, March 25. Mr. McKenna,*replying to Air. Dundas, stated that the Clyde yards were capable of building six Dreadnoughts. Air. Asquith, replying to Air. H. C. Lea,, said that the whole question of aerial navigation had been lor some time under consideration by tbe Defence Committee. Provision would betaken in the estimates. . , Air. Accrington, speaking at toe National Liberal Gulp said that New Zealand and three New South Vales residents had given a glorious lead. If >■ national sacrifices were required, let the wealthy men set the- example. All this was a contrast to- the pititul attitude of the panic-stricken Opposition. A DREADNOUGHT FROM AUSTRALIA. MEETINGS IN SYDNEY AND AIELBOURnE. A cable message received at 1 a.in. to-day states that densely crowded and highly enthusiastic meetings were ueld last night in Alelbourne and Sydney, presided over by tbe Lord Alayors of those cities. Resolutions in favor of presenting a Dreadnought to the Imperial Government' were passed unanimously amid -scenes of - great -enthusiasm .