cHAP. Xx] MILITARY AND NAVAL DEFENCE 1291
which some of the smaller vessels would have New Zealand
waters as their head-quarters. The New Zealand armoured
cruiser would be stationed in China waters.
As regards Canada, it was considered that her double
seaboard rendered the provision of a fleet unit of the same
kind unsuitable for the present. It was proposed, according
to the amount of money that might be available, that
Canada should make a start with cruisers of the Bristol
class and destroyers of an improved River class—a part to
be stationed on the Atlantic seaboard and a part on the
Pacific.
In accordance with an arrangement already made, the
Canadian Government would undertake the maintenance of
the dockyards at Halifax and Esquimalt, and it was a part
of the arrangement proposed with the Australian representa-
tives that the Commonwealth Government should eventually
1ndertake the maintenance of the dockyard at Sydney.
Papers containing all the material documents will be laid
before Parliament in due course, and, it is hoped, before the
sonclusion of the Session.
In accordance with these resolutions Canada has pur-
chased two cruisers from the Imperial Government, and has
passed an Act in 1910 (c. 43) to regulate its naval forces. It
was to build in nine years four cruisers and six destroyers.
Australia has acquired two destroyers, and has placed orders
for two cruisers in England, and another destroyer and a
cruiser will be constructed forthwith, being put together in
Australia. The others will be built locally. A change of
Government in 1910 resulted in no change of policy save
that the loan contemplated in Act No. 14 of 1909 has been
abandoned (Act No. 6 of 1910). New Zealand has under-
taken by Act No. 9 of 1909 to defray the cost of the cruiser
of the Indomitable pattern being constructed for the squadron
in China, and the orders for the first-class cruisers for New
Zealand and Australia were placed in 1910.
Admiral Sir R. Henderson visited Australia in 1910-11 and
reported on March 1, 1911, on the position. His recommenda-
sions include the establishment of a unit which will first aid
in the maintenance of the supremacy of the British navy, and
in the second place help to protect Australian forts and bases.
