THE BRITISH NAVY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10220, 14 December 1893, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

A LARGE SHIP-BUILDING PROGRAMME. GREAT MEETING IN LONDON. [Special to Pbess Association,! LONDON, Dec. 12. The Times says that Government next session will announce a, large shipbuilding programme. After a heated discussion, the Cabinet has decided to spend eight millions sterling on the navy. Due.‘lS, Lord Roberts declares that on the efficiency of the Army depends British supremacy. The St James' Gazette states that it is expected that the Admiralty will expend a sum of six millions sterling in the construction of vessels* of the Royal Sovereign class, though on an improved scale. In Cabinet Mr Gladstone and Sir W. V. Harcourb reluctantly supported tbe vote for tbe increase of the Navy. Earl Spencer, the First Lord of the Admiralty, declared that the question was one requiring immediate action. The Hon A. J. Balfour supports Lord George Hamilton’s motion. The Admiralty has informed the Agent-General for Victoria that statement that the Crescent is tp replace the Orlando is not tme,' and that the latter vessel is to be retained on the station. The agitation for an increase in the navy continues. A great meeting of merchants, bankers and all classes/ of the public, convened by the Chamber of Commerce, has been held in London, Mr Pettit presiding. A resolution was carried urging the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the naval supremacy of Great Britain irrespective of cost. The proceedings were characterised by great enthusiasm. In the House of Commons Lord George Hamilton, First Lord of the Admiralty in Lord Salisbury’s administration, has tabled a motion containing the subject-matter of the resolution.