THE NEW HEADS OP THE NAVY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2538, 12 August 1915, Page 6

THE NEW HEADS OP THE NAVY

LETTER FROM AN 'ADMIRALTY OFFICER. Mr. Franklin Webb, of Levin, has received the following interesting letter from his brother, Captain Richard Webb, R.N., C.8., who is on special duty at the 'Admiralty in connection with the German submarine blockade. Captain Webb writes "How splendidly, the New Zealand and Australian troops are doing, and how proud the whole Empire may well feel of them, and of the Canadians and Botha's men. It's quite the finest thing of the war, and the forcing of the Straits will change the wholo .face of tho campaign. So those valuable lives will liavo been as truly given for' the Empire as if they had died in France. "I think this Coalition Government should be a great success, and, anyhow, wo at the Admiralty are delighted to Set two_ such. giants. of strategy and organisation as Mr. Balfour and Sir' H. Jackson. They couldn't have mado a better appointment, and it will all make for a maximum of efficiency and, consequently, of success. "There is a point in your letter which I would mention. You say: ! don't see how tho Germans can hold out much longer." Well, as you probably know that's the most marvellous thing in tho war: Tho Gorman power of organisation lias absolutely compelled success so far. and will enable them to hold out almost indefinitely. It is. a perfect revelation in what organisation, backed by a. determination to win at all costs, will do for a nation. We could never do that. Our constitution and public feeling wouldn't allow it; and it is certainly most uncomfortable, but it is marvellous past all telling, and, of course, increases our task enormously. "Tho submarine blockade naturally absorbs a great deal of my time, anil it's a wonderful fact that not one single vessel is hung up in port, due to any hanging back on the part of the crews to face tho new dastard.v peril which now confronts them. . Never have I felt prouder of my countrymen or more disgusted with those slackers and strikers who seek to use England's difficulties for their own selfish claims."