BRITAIN'S CLAIMS TO NAVAL SUPREMACY.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 136, 9 June 1909, Page 8

BRITAIN'S CLAIMS TO NAVAL SUPREMACY.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —Recently some of the German newspapers have adversely commented on the two-Power naval standard contended for in the British Parliament, and have asked what greater claim England has to naval supremacy than Germany herself. Although it would be easy to show that the naval needs of the two countries are altogether dissimilar, generally speaking, the Germane have a perfect right to aspire to that coveted position if it suits them to do so. However, it seems opportune for us to remember what British seamen have achieved as navigators and ocean explorers, and what those of Germany have not achieved. Although England's navigators were preceded by those of Portugal and Spain as discoverers, during the last 350 years they have taken the leading place and have acquitted themselves so well that today the whole maritime world are their debtors. Amongst the galaxy of great names may be cited those of Cabot, Drake, Frobisher, Dartipier, Hudson, Anson, Cook, Franklin, McClure, and a host of others, who have carried the English flag into almost every part of the world where a keel could float; and think of what has been done by the British Navy for the whole world's benefit! They have policed the ocean and intercepted slavers, releasing their human car. goes and destroying the vessels. They have taken deep-sea soundings, surveyed and charted dangerous coasts and reefs, and in many ways aided navigation and made safer ocean travelling. And what has been done by Germany's seamen? Their Tecord as navigators and discoverers 13 a perfect blank. It may be contended that their coast line is limited, and so it is in comparison with that of the British Isles; yet their coast line is much more extensive than that of either Portugal or Holland, both of which coiintries have indelibly left their mark on the world's map as navigators and discoverers. The ports of Hamburg. Bremen, Lubee, etc., have been celebrated for their extensive trade since the 12th Century, and Lubec was the headquarters of the Hanseatic Leaeue, which practically controlled most of European sea-borne commerce for 200 years; and, therefore, it might be expected that Germany would have contributed some great name to the list of those who have done so much to make ocean travelling on the whole, so safe and pleasant as it is to-day. Remembering these historical facts, we should also remember the responsibility that has been placed upon us as a nation. As a people, Providence has endowed us with certain attributes peculiar, to ourselves, particularly as colonisers and founders of nations. Then let us be faithful to our trust, and stand shoulder to shoulder with a firm determination to aid and encourage our Motherland in her resolve to uphold the integrity of the present British Empire. — I am, etc., WALTER CRISP. . Fencourt, June 5,1909.