“SKELETON AT FEAST.”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16895, 27 November 1925, Page 8

“SKELETON AT FEAST.”

EARL BEATTY'S SPEECH

NAVAL REDUCTIONS

LONDON, Nov. 18.—The Standard declares ;—“Earl Beatty took a vigorous and independent line at tho Lord Mayor's banquet, and did: not hesitate to siiow that ho viewed with the greatest anxiety tho withdrawal of move ships from the active list. “When Earl Beatty retires from the Admiralty he will prove a .formidable opponent to those wishing lo weaken the country’s first line of defence. lie will he stronger than Lord Fisher ever was, because the public: confidence in him depends not only on Earl Beatty’s sea exploits and forceful personality, but also on the feeling that lie. possesses a sense of proportion and sane alfcT accurate judgment.’’ Tho Star says:—“Earl Ileatty was a jolly-looking skeleton at tho Lord Mayor’s feast. Where does this fine t'lid sea dog scent danger? Lord Beatty is putting the cart before the horse. Surely it is Iho absence of exigencies which enables naval economics. "Whence will come the warlike demonstration demanding tho retention of a fleet of Hie traditional standard? Tho present licet is amply sufficient for present defence, especially while tho horizon is clear, and while there are widespread efforts towards a rednelinn of armaments.”