BRITISH NAVY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 7

BRITISH NAVY

FORTHCOMING PROGRAMME A NEW HYBRID TYPE OF SHIP. By Telegraph— Fma Association— OopyrleM LONDON, February 23. The “Observer” states that five of tho ships tc bo included in tb© forthcoming programme will be neither battleships nor battlecruisers, but a hybrid type. They will be of 28,000 tons displacement, with 134 in armour. Their speed will be 25 knots, and they will carry eight 15 to 16lin guns. The now - armoured cruisers will be 300 tons heavier than their predecessors, while submersibles will replace destroyers. The new typo of submersible will have a surface speed approaching that of the river type of destroyers. “ CONTINENTAL PROGRAMMES ONLY ON PAPER.” ALTERATION IN WARSHIP TYPES DENIED. (Received February 24, 10.50 p-m*) LONDON, February 24. The “Daily Telegraph,” forecasting tho Naval Estimates, says that as tho Continental programmes are only paper ones, it is unnecessary at present to readjust the British construction programme. Whatever liability may arise will be taken into account when tho Italian and Austrian ships have been authorised. The “ Telegraph” denies any alteration in tho types of warships, except increasing the speed of submarines.