THE BRITISH NAVY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6126, 12 March 1898, Page 4

THE BRITISH NAVY.

« THE OOTEENMENT ESTIMATES. SPEECH BT ME GOSCHEN. United Press Association— By Electric TelegraphCopyright. Beceiv-iMarcli 12, 9.45 ft.m. LONDON, Mabch.H. Mr Goschen, in introducing the naval estimates in the House of Commons, appealed to the operatives and. manufacturers to co-operate in repairing arrears. Then peace would be crowned with honour, or if war' should take place it would be -crowned with victory for Great Britain. Lord Charles Beresford said that Great Britain ought to seize the island of Chusan, off the coast of China. Mr Goscben's speech has heen favourably received on all hands, though it is contended that in framing the naval estimates the Government did not take into account the immense naval expenditure of Russia. Mr Goschen asked for a total vote of £25,555,000 for the navy. He said that great progress had been made in the work of increasing the strength and , efficiency of the navy, though the ideal had not yet been reached. The estimates were based upon the needs of the Empire and the possibilities of naval construction. Two hundred and fiftyeight ships have been placed in commission, manned by 50,300 men. Great Britain had squadrons in foreign waters where other nations only had isolated ships. The Admiralty waß prepared for any contingencies, and was constructing eighty-four vessels at a cost of £23,000,000. If the times became darker, the Government would appeal to the patriotism of the nation to allow the Admiralty to do its duty unhampered. Timid inquiries had been made as to whether it was the intention to reinforce British fleets at particular points. He replied that cruisers would be cai .fully distributed for the protection of trade routes, especially in connection with the food supplies of Great Britain. The Admiralty was prepared to expend two and a half millions in purchasing warships now being built in England for foreign nations, but none were found to be suitable.