IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2582, 17 August 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE VINDICATION OF THE ADMIRALTY. ALTERNATIVE OFFER. United Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, August 15. Though the “Times” considers the report of the. committee has lowered the public estimate of Lord Chas. Beresford’s judgment, some Unionist papers maintain that the condition of the navy during the period under review has been shown to be unsatisfactory. Moreover, every member of the sub-oommittee is a member of the Government. The “Chronicle” states that nothing could be more complete than the vindication of the Admiralty, yet there) is something amtes; firstly, the uncertainty about policy; seoondly, the personal feuds which, if continued, would threaten more serious dangers to the country than any Lord Chas. Beresford imagined. The naval discussion with Australia has now completed the final plenary meeting of the Defence Conference. MELBOURNE, August 16. One result of the Defence Conference is that an alternative to the Dreadnought offer will be an offer of cruisers. Beyond that nothing -is known. "Whether the cruisers will form part of the Australian fleet or of the Imperial navy is not stated. A USE FOR MALTA. NEW NAVAL DEFENCE BILL. (Received August 16, 10.30 p.m.) - LONDON, August 15. The “Daily Mail” says that it is intended to make Malta a sort of Clapham Junction of Imperial defence. Though it will run all the lines by which the Empire’s fighting forces will be concentrated on any threatened point. Mr. McKenna to-day presents Bills to amend the Colonial Naval Defence Act, and make better provision respecting the naval establishments of British possessions.