THE COLONIAL CRUISERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 11 April 1912, Page 5

THE COLONIAL CRUISERS.

WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH THEM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND UNSUITABLE STATIONS. (Press Association.-~Copyright.) (Received April 11, 8.5 a.m.) LONDON. April 10. The "Morning Post's 1 ' naval correspondent states that it will bo interesting to se<? whether the cruisers Australia and New Zealand will sail for Australasia at the end of the year. The best opinion has long been that the only justification for such ships is the ability to use them as a fast wing battle fleet. During the Navy debate Mr. Churchill referred to the necessity of a certain proportion of vessels of the greatest speed and highest power being used to turn i the enemy's line, or bring a hostile fleet into action, or compel a retreating fleetto abandon a portion of its force, in preference to partaking in a general engagement. Mr. Churchill's description of the duties of battle cruisers makes it obvious that the service which battle cruisers render was misunderstood when the Admiralty sanctioned Australia and New Zealand joining the fleet as units with only three second-class cruisers. Even if the words which the Admiralty put into Mr. Churchill's mouth were not the whole case, there is no immediate prospect that a battle fleet will be required in the Far East. Hence it appears that Australia and New Zealand are unsuitable stations whereto tile former Admiralty Board proposed that they should be sent.