WELL TO THE FORE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11029, 18 March 1914, Page 5

WELL TO THE FORE.

GREAT BRITAIN'S NAVY. KEEPING AN EYE ON GERMANY NEXT ESTIMATES Y/IIL BE LOWER. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received March IS, 11.5 a.m.) LONDON, March 17.

Mr "Winston Churchill, in committee on the. Naval Estimates, said that the Admiralty's policy as explained in 1912 was unchanged. Thero was one-third more horse-power in tho fleet than in 1912. Tho fifteon-inch gun was tho best they had over had, being tho most accurate at all ranges, and it would be exceptionally long-lived. Great Britain. had ten vessels thus armed, while the next naval Power had. two.

The Admiralty desired to complete eight squadrons beforo the next strongest power completed its organisation. German development liad been less rapid than anticipated in 1912. Threo Gorman squadrons would bo near completion at the end of 1914, but owing to manning difficulties, the second would be reduced by three ships temporarily. Great Britain, therefore, had postponed the completion of tho fourth squadron. Every delay on Germany's part was watched, and our organisation was only completed as needed. He anticipated, that Great Britain's next Estimates would bo substantially below those of 1014.