THE IMPERIAL DEFENCES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6240, 17 May 1888, Page 4

THE IMPERIAL DEFENCES.

PUBLIC OPINION. LOED WOLSELEY'S STEICTUEES. [Special to Fbebb Association, j LONDON, Hat 15. Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Clarke, C.8., formerly InspectorGeneral of Fortifications, deprecates the panic which has arisen over the defence system. He maintains that the defences are now stronger than they have been for years. Sir Andrew ■warmly eulogises the efforts of the Colonies to secure the defence of the Empire. He urges the completion of the defences of all coaling stations, ■which are already well in hand, and insists that they should be immediately garrisoned and kept in readiness for war. Sir Charles Dilke, in a magazine article, contends that the real dangor to- be feared is that Russia and France may attack England. He states that both Powera are building an enormous number of fast cruisers, which, should they, in the event of war, operate against England, would cripple the trade of the conntry. May 18. The House of Commons has agreed to the vote of .£850,000 placed on the Navy Estimates for an auxiliary squadron. The ships are to be completed by March, 1890. Replying to Mr Labouchere in the House of Commons, Lord Charles Beresford said everyone iu the Soudan felt grateful to Australia for the assistance rendered to tho Imperial Government by tho New South "Wales Soudan contingent, and that the necessary guns for the defence of coaling stations should bo completed iu three years. In future, Government intended to order guna at tho same time that an order wa3 given for tships. The new war vessels to be con-, structed will be an improvement of the Archer type, and will be longer, heavier, faster, and better armed than the -Colonial Conference expected. , [The!) Archer type represents tho enlarged torpedo boat of the British navy, including, in addition to the Archer, the Scout, Racoon, and Grasshopper. Such vesßola catry boats provided with the "Whitehead torpedo discharging apparatus, and are, moreover, designed to neutralise the effect of an enemy's torpedoes. The Archer is^ technically described as a barbette ship, six guns.] The Standard defends Lord Wolseley, and applauds him for his frank, plain statements, which have left a profound and wholesome impression on the country. The Daily Telegraph urges that n<^ outlay should be spared to place the City of London and the coast-line in a. thorough state of defence to ensure the safety of the kingdom.