WORK OF THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17125, 2 April 1919, Page 10

WORK OF THE NAVY.

MAGNIFICENT WAR RECORD.

LARGE FACTOR IN VICTORY.

TRIBUTE TO MERCHANTMEN. LONDON. March 21. In the House of Commons on Wednesday night Mr. Walter Long, First Lord of the Admiralty, moving tho vote for a naval personnel of 280.000, said that tho British Navy had nobly borne its full share in tho attainment of the peace which was now within sight. (Cheers.) The Admiralty was preparing a statement of tho navy's part in tho war, which would be one" of tlu> most wonderful stories ever told. The navy's activities in the war had been universal. It had appeared in almost «very sea in the world, and had prominently participated in every campaign. (Cheers.) Mr. Long, detailing tha services of the navy, referred to the number of troops escorted oversea, and the great part played by the blockade in the Allied victory, and also in the maintenance of the food supply of tho United Kingdom. Since the outbreak of the war to March 2 the following had been transported by military sea transport:— Personnel. Effectives 23.355.0W) Non-effectives .„ .. 3,336.000 Animals 2.2C4.000 < Tons. British Military Stores .. 47.993,000 The First Lord mentioned that sinco the armistice mino-sweepers had destroyed no fewer than 5500 moored mines, and that no merchant ship adhering to the prescribed routes had been damaged by moored mines. He emphasised that no merchantmen had ever failed to sail owing to lack of men, although there were < men who had been torpedoed and mined j as many as five times. The Empire might! well be proud of this fine and unbeatable record. He also emphasised that the surrender of the German fleet was a greater naval victory than could have beon achieved by any action at sea. He trusted Hint it meant that illie world in future would bo relieved of past terrors. Behind the screen of the navy, said the First Lord, the most extraordinary work proceeded. Great booms safeguarding harbours wens constructed; great bases. iiko Rosyth and Invergorden were created, i and scientific devices of every kind were i developed. ' i Explaining why it was impossible for the I Admiralty to present detailed estimates at present, Mr. Long pointed out that the Peace Conference was at present discussing;' the great naval question, and until the, general scheme for world armaments of the future was known it was useless to attempt to framo our naval policy. Another reason was that the Admiralty intended to apply many invaluable lessons of the war in the development of oar future policy. ,

Ton*.