THE IMPERIAL NAVY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXVI, Issue 4079, 28 April 1909, Page 3

THE IMPERIAL NAVY.

CABLEGRAMS

United Press Association. By Electric Telegrabh—Copyright

“FIGHTING CHARLIE” ON THE DREADNOUGHTS. London, April 27. Addressing a private meeting of 70 members of the Parliamentary Navy Committee, Admiral Lord Charles Beresford declared that the Admiralty was within its rights in relieving him of his command, and ho had no feelings of animosity towards them for their action. Replying to questions from members of the Committee, Lord Beresford remarked that Dreadnoughts, owing to their size, could not be utilised for some of the effective purposes of ordinary battleships He discounted the idea of sea fights at 7000 yards, and said that such engagements were not likely to prove serious. Mr Asquith, Prime Minister, Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary, the Earl of Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr R. B. Haldane, Secretary for War, and Lord Morley, Secretary for India, constitute the sub committee that is to inquire into j the disposition and organisation of the Home fleet. Received 8.30 a.m., 28th. London, April 27. Right Hon. R. McKenna, in reply : to a question in the House of Commons admitted that there was not a ! single dry dock on the east coast of Britain where a Dreadnought could 1 enter if drawing more water than usual, owing to some of the water tight compartments being flooded, though there were five docks in Germany with this capacity. He added that the Government were considering the construction of a floating dpek on the cast coast. Mr McKenna was heckled re the absence of first class battleships on the China and Australian stations. He stated that the Admiralty were expediting the building of the Neptune and intended launching her in August, instead of October, enabling her successor to be laid early in November. Melbourne, April 27. Speaking at the Eight Hour Demonstration, Mr Fisher said the Government had no intention of adopting the suggestion to make the Dreadnought issue a non-party question, and to submit to the will of Parliament if it decided in favour of presenting a Dreadnought. The Government had to deal with the defence question on its merits, and intended to stand or fall by its proposal.