NAVAL CONSTRUCTION

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17913, 8 January 1930, Page 8

NAVAL CONSTRUCTION

REMARKABLE ACTIVITY. SHIPS FOR FOREIGN COUNTRIES. BRITAIN LOSING ORDERS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel.—Copyrlgr.l (Received January 8, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 7. The approach of 'the Disarmament Conference adds interest to Brassey’s Naval Annual, which was published today. The naval contributor says: “Nothing should be done to lessen Britain’s private shipbuilding resources by an over-drastic dispersal of skilled labour. At present less than one ■cruiser per year is being constructed here. The British submarine strength will be reduced from 50 vessels to 30 by 1932.’’ The writer on l'oreign navies cites the remarkable construction progressing within the limits of the exchequers of every maritime nation. The small ones are ordering abroad it' they cannot build themselves. Re states: "Submarines are popular with the smaller nations, who recognise their value in defying surface ship attacks. None of the lesser Powers not represented at the conference is hound by its possible agreements. Britain once led the world in building foreign warships. Her largest orders to-day are flotilla leaders and submarines, whereas Italy is building two 6000-ton cruisers and numerous ‘ small craft for foreigners, and France is securing orders for foreign submarines.