Speech by Lord Tweedmouth.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12002, 20 October 1906, Page 5

Speech by Lord Tweedmouth.

Press Association.— Telegraph.— Copyright. Received October 20, 12.24 a.m. LONDON, October 19. Lord Tweedmouth, in a speech at the Cutlers' Feast, said the future was with great battleships, heavy armour, and huge guns. The Dreadnought's gunnery trial had been the greatest success. Regarding the occasional abatement of shipbuilding, the Admiralty thoroughly accepted his axiom that economy must not clash with fighting efficiency. Those denouncing what was not a very great reduction should remember the failure of foreign rivals to realise their programmes. Tlie necessities of the year would be according to the exact amount of their foreign rivals' work. Now, if ever, was the time when it was wise to hold the hand. Lord Tweedmouth continued: "Whether in numbers, ships, or whether in armament, armour, or tonnage, the Navy is immeasurably stronger than any other navy, or possible combination of navies, that could at present be brought against us." He did not imply that the situation would last for ever. They must watch events. The Admiralty's mottoes were: "Prudence, economy, efficiency, and combination."