THE NAVAL CRISIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2469, 6 April 1909, Page 7

THE NAVAL CRISIS.

So far as New 'Zealand is concerned, -the vain-glorious, posturing attitude into which we have been forced by our stage-managing statesmen will not improve our reputation for common sense among level-headed people. We offer to borrow a million, or two of money in order to buy a ship which within ten years may be consigned as. obsolete toi the scrap head. To effect this coup every man, woman, and child in the country is to be additionally mortgaged to the moneylender to an amount which will be probably nearer 2s than Is. A working man with a wife and family of three (the average) will have to pay 10s more per annum for the sake, of bluffing the Germans, who are about as likely to-be bluffed out of their policy of “ships, colonies, and commerce” as they are to attempt simultaneously the invasion of England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, India, -and Canada. But the gravest objection to- this hold bit of bounce is the Unconstitutional method adopted by the Cabinet. Parliament should have been summoned and asked to vote immediately an increase of the naval subsidy; that is, if there has been any real crisis. We -don’t believe there has been, however, and in that case, liow ludicrous is the position ! —“Tuapeka Times.”