THE ROYAL NAVY.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 2, Issue 118, 6 March 1895, Page 4

THE ROYAL NAVY.

The Pall. Mall G-azefcfco of DflcemW 21 writes: During the year novr clos« ing there have been launched for tho Royal Navy twenty-seven vessels, aggregating 31,525 tons with engines of 451,250 indicated horsepower. The cost of these vessels when completed will be £2,413,570. This total ex-' eludes torpedo boats, of which five have been constructed. The principal vessel is the Magnificent, the next a crusier of SGOO tons, the Minerva, launched within seven months of her keel bring laid at Portsmouth ; three torpedo gunboats built at Devonport, the Halcyon, Harrier and Hussar, and a sister vessel, the Hazard, built at Pembroke; while the total oi: the dockyard work is made up by two sloops with large sail area to be launched from Sheernees next week. These dockyard-built vessels cost £1,803,576. Tho work launched from private establishments for the navy included eighteen torpedo-boat destroyers of 27-knotspesd, of which seven have been tried with satisfactory results. There were also five torpedo-boats and a tug-boat. As to the work in course of construction in the dockyards, that includes, in addition to the Magnificent, six battleships of a similar type, one Renown of 12,350 tons, tvvo other cruisers of the Min-rva type, and two sloops in addition to the two launched. Next year's programme will include one lirst-class cruiser, four second-class cruisers and u third class cruiser. In private yards thero are builaing two Magnificents, two Terribles, cruisers of 1-1,000 tons. 24,000 i.h.p., and 22-knot speed, and five Minervas, iu addition to 'die torpedo boat destroyers, of which there are fourteen yet to lauueh.