Plenty of It.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 4 October 1917, Page 3

Plenty of It.

Sir Erie Gcddes made lus first cpeecii ;is First Lord of the Admiralty and member of Parliament at Cambridge.

"The last thing the First Lord should do is to interfere in naval strategy," he said. "My time in France has taught me that it is better to leave tactics and strategy to the professional soldier and sailor, and I intend to do so, but I don't intend to sit down. It is my duty to know what, the Sea Lords are proposing to do to get through the material and resources at their disposal, to form an independent opinion as to whether they liave enough or should have more, and in every possible way as far as a civilian can to help them in their work. When I went to tlie Admiralty, I thought I knew all about the deeds of the Navy, but I did not. I have now seen the records and reports. The officers are the bravest of men, but they say, 'Please don't tell all our exploits at sea.' And the reason you have not far to seek. Eemember Captain Fryatt. If we revealed deeds many of which would send a. thrill down your backs, and gave the "whereabouts of the exploits, these officers and ships would be marked. The German fleet has not the least intention of coming out, so do not be impatient with the Navy." Sir Eric remarked that it was stated that he was once a railway porter. "It is true," he said, "and I am vory proud of it."