THE BRITISH NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2483, 23 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

ROYAL COLONIAL INSTIIUTE. A PATRIOTIC RESOLUTION. United Press Association —Copyright. (Received April 22, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 22. The Royal Colonial Institute adopted a resolution expressing grave concern at the Government’s disclosures regarding the navy, asking that the present year's ship-building programme be augmented forthwith, thanking the colonies for their gallant, spontaneous offers -of battleships, and welcoming Mr. Asquith's proposal for an Imperial Naval Conference. Sir Josiah Symons strongly deprecated the condemnation of the Government’s policy, implied in "Wo resolution, and declared that the navy must be the floating bulwark or the Empire in the Pacific equally wit-ii the North Sea. He declared that Australia would pour out her treasure and blood for its maintenance. Air. Asquith’s suggestion of the necessity for a ■contiiuious policj -yas likely to deeply appeal to Australians. The resolution passed with a. dozen dissentients. STATEMENT BY COMMONWEALTH PREMIER. WILL OFFER ASSISTANCE “IN THE EVENT OF TROUBLE.” (Received April 22, 9.20 p.m.) SYDNEY. April 22. Speaking at Newcastle, Mr. Fisher said he had pledged his party to offer Britain, in the event of trouble, not only a Dreadnought, but the whole ie,sources of the country.