IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2523, 9 June 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

GABLE NEWS.

SUBSIDISING PRIVATE FIRM.

TO CONSTRUCT DOCKING ACCOMMODATION, ■ ■■ S. . ' United Press Association—Copyright ~LONDON, June 7. With a view to securing a repairing base, for warships on the Tyne, tKb Admiralty purpose to subsidise a private firm to construct docking accommodation at Jarrpw. THE AUSTRALIAN DREADNOUGHT ; OFFER. BRITISH NEWSPAPER OPINION. United Press Association —Copyright. (Received June 8, 9.35 p.m.) (LONDON, June 8. The. “Manchester Guardian” says: f ‘Mr. .Deakin’s offer is a gratifying evidence of the sentiment of unity, hut if the choice is between an Australian Dreadnought serving in the Noi’th Se-a and an equivalent value of service in Australian waters, we prefer the second alternative. If Australia contributes towards the defence of the North Sea, she binds ns to an equivalent contribution for her defence in the moment of danger.” The “Daily News” says that sooner or later such offers as, the Australian one must be reduced to a system. If the colonies share the" burden of defence they must possess the right to influence policy. The “Scotsman” says that the phase of neglected duty in connection with Imperial defence is passing away. Even stronger proof than the words of the colonial journalists is furnished by the Australians 4 offer of a Dreadnought. The. “Glasgow Herald” says that the Empire can no longer afford to treat Imperial defence as a matter purely of Britain’s concern, and that the spirit of optimism is encouraged by the promptitude with which Mr. Dealan reversed the policy of his predecessor.