Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-03-05 00:00:00

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Lord Alfred Churchill called the attention of the Government
to the inadequate protection which is at present afforded to the
Australian and New Zealand colonies, through the small naval
force which is at present stationed there, and asked whether it
was contemplated to erect a separate naval station for their
better defence.

Sir Charles Napier moved that, as the First Lord of the
Admiralty had stated that the Coast-guard ships are compara-
tively useless, the time had arrived when they ought to be
replaced by efficient ships; and also enquired whether it was the
intention of the Government to put m force the recommendations
of the Commission for manning the navy.

Sir J. Pakington stated that four ships of war were placed
upon this Australian station, which was thought sufficient by
the admiral in command. The Government intended to estab-
lish a naval station at Garden Island, in the harbour of Sydney.
' In reply to Sir C. Napier,
Sir J. Pakington stated that the inefficiency of the guard ships
had been exaggerated.
After some discussion,
Mr. Bright said 'that Australia ought to pay the expenses of
her own defence. He protest wl against the constant increase of
our naval and military expenditure.
Sir E. B. Lytton said that the Australian colonies had already
made proposals to pay a part of their expenses.
Lord J. Russell asserted that the colonies ought to adopt this
principle. They had shown themselves willing to do so.
Mr. Horsman protested against undue economy, when, for the
• .

„
first time in our history, we were without that naval superiority
which would enable us to protect our commerce.
After so:ne farther observations from Mr. J. G. Baring,
• Mr. Lows said the colonies were quite willing to defend them-
selves, but it was not unfair in them to ask for some of the useless
gaardships now rotting in our harbours, but which would be of
great use to them.

- After some further debate, the house divided on the motion of
Bir C. Napier, which was negatived by 74 to 37.

- - - -
The hoUse then went into committee of supply, when
General Peel brought forward the army estimates. He alluded
at great len„th to the improvement in the physical, moral, and
educational position of the soldierS, improvements carried out in
the commissariat and of other departments of the service. In the
ordnance especially great attention had been paid to the several
inventions which had been made of late years, and which had led
to an immense development of that important arm of warfare.
He moved that 122,635 men, exclusive of those in the Indian ser-
vice should be voted for the service of her Majesty.
Mr. Williams objected to the great increase in the number of
men, and the expenditure for military objects over former years
—pointed out in detail instances, as he considered, of extrava-
gance. The number of men now available for our defences was
sufficient to satisfy the most timid person.
Aftei considerable discussion, the vote was agreed to.
The next vote, $721,474 for wages, wis likewise agreed to.
The discussion on other estimates o *,d the remainder of
the evening.
The House aljourned at half-paSt twelve o'clock. •