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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 78

The Australasian Squadron

The Australasian Squadron.

The agreement entered into in 1887 between the Mother Country, Australia, and New Zealand, in regard to the Australasian Squadron, seems to suggest a basis upon which colonial contributions to the Imperial Navy may possibly be satisfactorily arranged. If not an actual basis, it is, at all events, suggestive of a means of settlement.

This agreement, which has been confirmed by Statute by all the Australasian Parliaments, provides for the payment by New Zealand Australia of a proportionate part of the cost of establishing and maintaining an additional naval force, to be employed for the protection of the floating trade in Australasian waters. Under it the [unclear: t] consists of five fast cruisers and two torpedo gunboats. Three cruisers and one gunboat are to be always kept in commission. The remainder are to be held in reserve in Australasian ports, ready for common when the occasion arises. In time of peace two ships are to be stationed in New Zealand waters as their headquarters.

The first cost of the ships is paid out of Imperial funds, and vessels are fully equipped and manned. The agreement also provides that the colonies already mentioned shall pay to the Imperial Government interest on the first and principal cost at the rate of five per cent annually up to a certain amount, and shall also bear the actual charges of the vessels from year to year. At present New Zealand pays yearly some £40,000, and Australia £200,000; but these payments could if necessary, as the late Mr. Seddon suggested, be considerably increased without over-burdening the contributory states.

The squadron is to be wholly at the disposal of the Imperial Government in time of war.