THE BRITISH NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2462, 29 March 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

CABLE NEWS.

NEW ZEALAND’S OFFER. MR. ASOUITH SUSPECTJID OF “FENCING” IT. United Press Association—Copyright. ■ LONDON, March 26. The Labor members of the House of Qommons have decided to- vote against the censure motion provided Cabinet on Monday announces, that it will not go beyond Mr. Asquith’s present position regarding warship construction. An enthusiastic meeting at the Playhouse, Charing Cross, under the auspices of the Navy League, demanded that eight Dreadnoughts be begun and completed at the earliest possible date. Mr. C. W. Belairs,, M.P., moved a resolution which regretted that New Zealand's offer as an immediate offer was not accepted, the Government utilising it to mitigate our expenditure in 1910. The, “Pall Mall Gazette” declares that Mr. Asquith’s method of “fencing” New Zealand’s offer has raised an ugly suspicion that while seeming to welcome it he is really mocking and evading its purpose. New Zealand never intended to replace a vessel which would otherwise have been built by British taxpayars. If New Zealand’s generosity was merely employed to further the aims of the “Little Navy” party bitter indignation waukl be provoked.” .

Mr. Keir Hardie, the Socialist member for Merthyr Tydvil, speaking at South Norwood, declared that the Labor Party considered the colonial offers to assist the Navy to be an insult to the greatness and majesty of the Mother Country. There was, lie said, no foundation for the “miserable scare.” MAYOR OF SYDNEY’S APPEAL. “NEW ZEALAND HAS NOBLY LED THE WAY.” SYDNEY, March 27. The Lord Mayor’s appeal Tor the Dreadnought Fund says: “The fact stands out that tho Empire is already weighed down with the cost of defence and maintenance, and must face a large-ly-increased expenditure to maintain the present impregnable position. Her sons must assist. New Zealand, has nobly led the way.” Mr. Wade, Premier of New South Wales, has wired to the other State Premiers that he considers the Dreadnought scheme inappropriate, suggesting instead that the States combine to increase the naval subsidy to half a, million.

WEST AUSTRALIAN OPINION. DIVERSITY OF VIEWS. PERTH, March 26. :vAho i&§feax-Eejpration. decided to strongly oppose the’ gift- of a Dreadnought, on the ground that if the suggested expenditure were devoted to public works it would prove of greater advantage to the workers of the State. The Mayor presided at a packed meeting in the Town Hall. Sir John Forrest moved a resolution asking the Feedral Government to inform the Home authorities that the people of Australia were” prepared to make every necessary sacrifice to maintain supremacy of the sea. The moving of an amendment ,on behalf of the Australian Natives’ Association that the necessary sacrifice •should take the shape of an increased expenditure on local defence led to great disorder. The Mayor, amid a wild scene of commotion, declared Sir John Forrest’s resolution carried. The mover of the amendment afterwards held an open-air meeting and adopted a resolution - protesting against the Mayor’s ruling, and claiming that the amendment was carried by three to one. - , . _ HEATED CORRESPONDENCE IN BRISBANE. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING AT HOBART. BRISBANE, March 27. A heated correspondence has passed between the Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor over the latter’s refusal to call a Dreadnought meeting. The Mayor declared that when citizens as a body signified their wishes lie would act without coercion. • L HOBART, March 27. At an enthusiastic meeting, held at Hobart, a resolution was adopted favoring the gift of a Dreadnought. THE MOTION OF CENSURE. MR. BALFOUR’S EXPLANATION. (Received March 28, 4.15 p.m.) LONDON, March 27. Mr. Balfour, in a letter, explains that a vote of censure was the only course open to him, as by the rules of. debate the only other possible way of securing discussion was to move the reduction of the Estimates. THE GOVERNMENT’S REPLY TO NEW ZEALAND. SIR GILBERT PARKER’S COMMENT. . (Received,March 28, 4.30 p.m.) , x . LONDON. March 27. Sir Gilbert Parker, speaking at Muswcll -Hill, siiid tliafc the Government’s • -, '■ d ■

reply to New Zealand’s offer was due cither to wilful misconception or blind irjappreciation of its oenefits. The offer, he said, was a magnificent demonstration of the growing senso by the colonies of their moral obligations to share the responsibilities of the Empire, and the reply contained the same elements of quibble which the Government had shown in relation to the guostion of building four Dreadnoughts. '

[Sir Gilbert Parker, tho brilliant journalist and. novelist, is Conservative member for Gravesend.] (Received March 27, 4.30 p.m.)

Colonel Seeley, Under-Secertary of State for the Colonies, speaking at Bucknall, said that Neur Zealand’s splendid generosity was unparalleled in history. The Australian States and other colonies were following the Dominion’s example, thus showing tlieir eagerness to assist the Motherland if necessary. -T CANADA’S INTENTIONS. RUMORED DESIGN TO CREATE A LOCAL NAVY. (Received March 29, 1 a.m.) . OTTAWA, March 28. There are indications that Canada intends to create defence fleets, both in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans,and thus release the Motherland from all responsibility of defending her. NEW ZEALAND .OPINION. SOME CONGRATULATIONS.

.(Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, March 27. The Prime Minister has received many congratulations in addition to the official ones already telegraphed. The following are a few only of the large number:—

“From a some time opponent,” telegraphed a private-individual, “congratulations oh New Zealand’s Dreadnought and New Zealand’s loyalty.” “To-day you stand the ideal Premier in the world. You have struck Dominion’s will. We owe you deep, infinite gratitude for Dreadnought.” “Would suggest all Mayors, County Chairmen, Chambers of Commerce, invite subscriptions, not for their intrinsic value, but to show the unity of her Daughter-State to the Mother Country.” “Well played New Zealand! May the dread nought never prove her score in the vessel’s coming innings.—Hurunui Cricket Club.” “Right thing, right time; in the fight Little Englander and the Dominion unite.”

“Will show that the lion’s cubs have teeth as well as the mother.” “You have nailed our colors , masthigh for England, home, and duty.” “Personally, I feel very pleased at the Government’s prompt action, in regard to the Dreadnought,” said Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P. “They were a bit staggered at Greymouth at first, thinking England was going to declare war at once, but fuller news came later, and the people of Greymouth and Hokitika were strong in their endorsement of what had been done.” A few of the more interesting ones and extracts from others are appended :

“Dreadnought well done. Delighted pay my share.” “Through your promptitude in realising and acting upon public sentiment concerning a momentous issue, New Zealand may bo credited until the greatest act performed by any British dependency ever since the foundation of the Empire. . . Yours is a master stroke in the Imperial interests, and will do much to dissipate British apathy towards Britain’s children* and ignorance as to their resources.” “Why not suggest purchase Brazlian battleship?” “The very thing.” “Good old iSeddon first in Boer war. You first in navak assistance.” “Right thing at right moment. * Britons never will be slaves.” “The Dominion, Australia, and Canada should find funds for at least 20 ships in present crisis.” A worker writes: —“Since knowing your decision I have made it my business to obtain the feeling of a large number of workers, and I can assure you that as a body they endorse your opinion.” “You, Cabinet, and the Dominion have covered yourselves with glory in helping the Mother Country at .this crisi. ‘Facta non verba’ is appropriate just now. God bless you.” “Congratulations .in interest of _ the weak, the oppressed, the uncivilised. England must not lose her prestige.” “You will have the support of the country, or, at least, any that is worth having.” “Dominion approves. Empire applauds. Parliament, after expressing disappointment at loss of glory and honor, will approve your prompt action.” “Hope day not far distant when 'lNeve Zealand can offer crew as well.” “The boldest and best of the many good things you have done for New Zealand. It stirs one’s blood and adds a cubit’to one’s stature.” “Next session, as a further support, I will advocate compulsory training.” — From a ’member of Parliament. “Trust everyone will contribute one dny’s income towards • “If subscription started, glad to £50.” “Done right and needful thing m right and needful way.” “Your warship offer splendid. Proud travelling under British fia<g.” “Give solidity to your action by calling Parliament together to confirm same and inaugurate _ universal service for national defence in New Zealand, our answer to all races, white or yellow.” .. “Yachtsmen m Otago heartily approve of your scheme of presenting battleship from the Dominion.”