Melbourne, Sept. 30.
The Australian War Cabinet has decided to extend its naval programme by building and purchasing small craft, including some for defence against mines.
The Government also intends, according to an announcement by the Treasurer, Mr. R. G. Casey. to spend £2,000,000 to increase factory capacity for the production of machine-guns and anti-tank guns.
The output of shells will be doubled.
Meanwhile, Major-General—Sir Thomas Blarney, Australian Chief of Staff in 1919, has'been appointed to command the 20,000 men raised for home or overseas service.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.