About four years ago one was built for the Russian Government of larger dimensions than any that had been constructed before, it being desired that she should be a sort of torpedo-cruiser, capable of going to sea in rough weather, and have coal-carrying capacity sufficient to make a run at a moderate speed of at least eight hundred miles. This vessel, called the “Batoum,” is represented by the photograph herewith. She is 100ft. in length by 12ft. beam, and adapted for carrying four Whitehead torpedoes. To take her to her destination three short masts and sails were temporarily fitted to her as a precautionary measure in case the machinery broke down or the coal-supply ran short. She left England in August, 1880, having a crew on board of three officers and nine men, and steamed from London to Nicolaieff, exclusive of stoppages, in eighteen days, the distance run being 4,800 miles, including calling at Fiume on the way —being an average speed of eleven knots an hour. On trial a speed of twenty-two knots was actually obtained from her. This vessel, which was the first torpedo-boat that made a successful voyage of any duration, has been considered by many Governments to be worthy of reproduction; for, soon after its construction, the Argentine, Greek, Brazilian, Austrian, Dutch, and Italian Governments ordered similar vessels. In fact, the “Batoum” may be said to have given rise to an altogether new type of sea-going torpedo-cruiser. The Victorian Government have already in their possession a vessel of this class, but somewhat superior, named the “Childers.” Her cost was £10,500. She is 113ft. 6in. long, with a beam of 12ft. 6in., and was brought out to Port Phillip by sea, just as the “Batoum” was from London to Nicolaieff. In order to render these vessels effective for the defence of the harbours of New Zealand, it would be necessary to have a considerable number of them, and it would be essential that they should be manned by crews specially trained for their service. (I will for a moment ask you to look at the photographs herewith of some torpedo-vessels belonging to the English, Russian, Italian, Greek, Argentine, and other Governments.) I have referred to locomotive torpedoes and torpedo-vessels, because these are the means by which, it is urged by some, that the defence of ports which cannot be otherwise specially protected may be provided. I confess, however, that though it appears to me probable that the Brennan torpedo may be turned to account for the defence of New Zealand harbours, I do not see my way at present to advise the adoption of other locomotive torpedoes, or to suggest that