THE GRAND FLEET

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 October 1917, Page 2

THE GRAND FLEET

'ALLS WELL" WITH THE NAVY

LONDON, August 15. Colonel llepington, Win Times mili-. tary critic, who is visiting- the Grand Fleet, says:"All isi well with the Navy. Its efficiency is 100 per cent higher than it was at the declaration of war and 50 per cent better than it was at Jutland. The material is in first-rate order and shows no signs of wear and tear. The spick afid span conditions testify to the unceasing vigilance of (he 'dockyards, considering that 20,1100 naval units have been docked for repairs since 1914. There are no worn or crazy ships: like past admirals were compelled to handle. "The Navy's health is superb. Tho men are contented and good-humored, and when Admiral Beatty strokes the winning boat in the Navy's, regatta, a shout goes up which would waken the dead. The Navy had almost as rough' a time at the beginning of the war a« did the First Army, owhv to its- inadequate comprehension and preparation. There were faults l and losses, but hard work and war experience have made up the peace deficiencies." Commenting on the possibility of Admiral Beatty being called to tho Admiralty. Colonel Repington says that Beatty is a fighting admiralTand politicians who drag him to London «ho'iu\l be hanged.