THE BRITISH NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2473, 12 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

VAIN APPEAL FOR EIGHT DREADNOUGHTS.

LORD CHARLES BERESFORD’S RETIREMENT.

United Press Association—Copyright

LONDON, April S

A vain appeal was made to the Government to enable Parliament to present a united front by the assurance of eight Dreadnoughts being built at the earliest possible date.

Replying to Mr J. Gretlon, Conservative member for Rutland, Mr Reginald McKenna, First Lord of the Admiralty, admitted that Germany during the past five years had made provision for 50 and Britain for 49 detroyers, and that only four of Britain’s were complete and ready for tea, compared with 30 completed by Germany. Mr McKenna added that, on the otlier liand, Britain had ordered 36 so-called coastal destroyers, now armed as firstclass torpedo boats, whereof 30 had been delivered.

The Council of the Royal Colonial Institute unanimously adopted a resolution expressing warm admiration of the generous offers of the overseas dominions to co-operate with the Motherland in the naval defence of the Umpire. Sir Harry Rawson, Using interviewed, said lie would not be surprised if West Australia joined New South Wales and Victoria in offering a Dreadnought. Australia’s intentions was that the battleships should supplement whatever. programme the Imperial Government thought necessary, and thus make safety doublv sure. LONDON, April 9. Mr W. T. Stead, in the Review of Reviews, -asserts that Lord Charles Beresford’s retirement is a trump card for the Litttle Navy party, who opposed the construction of Dreadnoughts. Mi V iuston Churchill and Mr Lloyd-George constantly invoked Lord Charles Beiesford, whether the latter knew it ei not, to terrorise the Admiralty into abandonment of the demand for eight Dreadnoughts. Like Lord Brassey Loid Charles Beresford desires more ships of another class. EFFECT OF AUSTRIAN DREADa NOUGHTS. BRITAIN MUSTWITHDRAW SHIPS FROM THE NORTH SEA. United Press Association— Copyright. (Received April 11, 4.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 10. The “Spectator” reports that the Austrian Dreadnoughts will possibly be completed in 1911. In any event they will cause the withdrawal from the British North Sea fleet of four Dreadnoughts for permanent station in tho Mediterranean. MR. FISHER’S POLICY. THE “TIMES” CRITICISM. The “Times,” hitherto a consistent supporter of Mr Fisher’s Commonwealth regime, alleges, in a long article, that he has mads the Admiralty a one-man Department, and prevented continuity of naval policy. THE CANTERBURY NAVY LEAGUE. [Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, April 10. The Canterbury branch of the Navy League has convened a public meeting at King Edward barracks on the 14th inst. for the purpose of submitting a motion .approving of the Governments Dreadnought offer. The Mayor is to preside, and amongst the speakers will be Bishops Julius and Grimes.