IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2603, 10 September 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

AUSTRALIAN NAVAL WORKS

United Pruss Association— Copyright LONDON, Sept. 7. Sir. Benjamin Brown, in the “Times' engineering supplement, dealing with colonial arsenals and dockyards, suggests that colonial shipbuilding, steel orks, marino engine, and ordinance yards be eneouhaged to improve their methods and enlarge their shops by offers of a share of the Government contracts. . He proposes that colonial firms should get into touch with oldfashioned English houses willing to find .-.ome capital, with additional management, and to supply designs and drawings. He suggests that colonial firms might arrange to buy out the English element after a term of years. Such a method would develop local experience and patriotism better than asking English companies to start colonial branches.

THE SYDNEY DEADNOUGHT FUND.

(Received September 9, 9.15 p.m.) SYDNEY', Sept. 9.

At a meeting of the Dreadnought Fund subscribers, the Lord Mayor submitted a scheme for disposal of the money subscribed ,by the public, £85,000, towards the procuring of a Dreadnought, but not now required for that purpose, the Commonwealth Government having made other arrangements for naval defence. This proposal was—“ That in order to commemorate the wave of patriotic feeling'' which England’s need drew forth, and to symbolise the State’s attachment to the Alother Country, the fund and the accrued interest bo devoted to the building and equipment of the King Edward Naval College near Sydney, for the training of Australian cadets for the Empire’s navy as officers, engineers, and naval architects, and equipping and maintaining one or more farms for training British lads in Australian farming.” It was estimated that the college and the farm would each cost £50,000. (Received September 9, 11.15 p.m.) The feeling of the meeting was favorable t-o the Lord Alayor’s proposals, and it was decided to further consider them at an early date. Meanwhile, subscribers to the Dreadnought Fund will bo generally notified.