THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2734, 12 February 1910, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY.

LAUNCH OF THE FIRST VESSEL

United Press Association —Copyright

LONDON, Feb. 10

Mrs. Asquith, wife of the Prime Minister, performed the ceremony of naming the first Australian destroyer, the Parramatta.

Mr. A. Gracie, chairman if the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company, presented her with a silver casket containing a silver hatchet wherewith she cut the ribbon.

Mrs. Asquith said: “First-born of ,the Commonwealth navy, I name you ‘Parramatta.’ God bless you, and those who sail in you. May you uphold the glorious traditions of the British Navy in the dominions overseas.

The christening was performed with Australian champagne. s A large gathering of Australians attended a luncheon in honor of the event.

Telegrams regretting inability to be present were received from Lord Crewe and Lord Fisher.

In proposing the toast of the Commonwealth, the Lord Provost of Glasgow said : “It is proud to think in the time of stress the Mother country will not appeal in vain to her children across the sea.”

Captain Collins, Commonwealth Agent, in replying, said it wa s to the credit of the Liberal Government that they, through Mr. Haldane’s conception of the Imperial general staff, and at the Naval. Conference, helped the dominions to pass from the era of talk to the era of action, which would develop and consolidate the defences of the Empire. He added: “Australia is heartily in earnest and sympathy with this forward movement. Her national spirit of independence bids her shoulder her own responsibilities. The Commonwealth is efficiently reorganising its forces, forming valuable units of strength and assistance to the whole Empire.”

A POLITICAL DIFFERENCE

SYDNEY, Feb. 11

Mr. J Cook, Minister of Defence, commenting on Mr. Fisher’s speech, says it is so much moonshine for Mr. Fisher to try to create the impression that their naval scheme was that of his party. “The two,” he said, “are quite distinct. They have a different purpose and a. different objective. They are only alike in that his vessels are almost an infinitesimal item in' ours. Wliat the Fisher Government did in the way of inaugurating a new navy was to order three small boats, and instead of getting tlie best advice of inaval authorities in Britain, they put the matter in the hands of a private naval architect, who was being paid two per cent, commission to supervise them.”