NAVAL MATTERS.

Southland Times, Issue 16687, 16 March 1911, Page 5

NAVAL MATTERS.

A COMPARISON. (By Telegraph.—Frees AeswcieGoß. —Cepyrlght.) LONDON, March 14. Mr R. McKenna, in reply to a question, said that since 1904 Germany had added 19,245 men to the personnel of the navy and Britain 510. AUSTRALIA’S EFFORT. LONDON, March 14. The “Pall Mall Gazette" says that there were no half measures In the way in which the Commonwealth approached the problem of naval defence. Admiral Henderson’s report to the Government had prescribed a navy which would be an important auxiliary in a war involving the Empire. It would need sacrifice, but the Australians, with characteristic courage, were shouldering their responsibilities. SYDNEY, March 15. Admiral Henderson’s report is widely criticised. It is generally recognised that the recommendations are highly important, but the enormous cost will be the stumbling block. Federal Ministers are reticent. Senator Pearce says that the Government has already made a start by appointing a Naval Board to deal with other points as they arise. NEW CRUISERS. LONDON, March 15. Received March 15, 11.10 p.m. The cruiser Active, having a speed of 25 knots, has been launched at Pembroke. Arrangements have been made to commence a sister ship, the Amphion, immediately. QUICK SHOOTING. LONDON, March 14. H.M.S. Neptune, at her gunnery trials, fired thirty-six rounds at intervals of 6 seconds, using ton 12-inch guns. Her previous record was eighteen rounds in 3% minutes. The new system of fire control has achieved remarkable results.