IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, 1 October 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

COLONEL ®AVIS IN ENGLAND. Unitko l , Hicß»M4|BßociAT loN''copTttionT. I oN'' c opTttionT. i 5 LONDON Sept. 29. Colonel Dawte, of New Zealand, at'temded all thell recent British manoeuvres, and from Itfow till June will be attached to various general staffs, also to tlie War Groce, and wW attend the cavalry, mounted infantry, and musketry schools.

LONDON, Sept. 29. Liiiley Sarnbourne’s cartoon in „ “Punch/’ entitled “What Australia Aspects/ ’ depicts Australia forging a aud shield; ‘with a kangaroo blow!"- 2 t^ie * Urn aoe. Aumt' LIAN RIFIjE clubs -

Dealing witnf P ro P osal >° reinforce ■existing regiments' fronyfnembers of civilian rifle clubs, wrherM Gordon .stated that only about 10,000 out of 23,000 members of rifle clubs were efficient. Fully 50 per cent would not be allowed to join the ranks because the doctors would not pass them.

A DISUIETLNG STATEMENT. (Received September 30, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 30. The “Standard” alleges that ti~ are strained relations bet" een Mr. McKenna (First Lord of the Admiralty) and his colleagues, owing to the chilling reception of the scheme concerning manning the fleet The paper adds that it is understo<d that Admiral Bridgeman, the real tuthor of the scheme, has threatened|£o resign his position on the Board \ Admiralty unless Ministers take steps io deal with what is manifestly a grave national menace. His proposals involve an increase of between 14000 and 17,000 men. The Colonial Naval Defence Bill has been read a third time in the House of Commons.