BRITAIN’S DEFENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16487, 28 February 1914, Page 11

BRITAIN’S DEFENCE.

SUPPLEMENTARY NAVAL ESTIMATES. SEAPLANES AND AIRSHIPS. “ Times.” —Sydney “ Snn " Special Cables. (Received February 27, 5.15 p.m.) LONDON, February 27. The supplementary naval estimates include shipbuilding and repairs £1,946,000, and armaments £320,000. The Works yoto 'includes £SOOO for tho accommodation of seaplanes at Sheerness, and £42,000 for tho accommodation of airships. THE AERONAUTICAL SERVICE. NAVY TO TAKE OVER THE AIRSHIPS. ARMY TO CONTROL AEROPLANES. LONDON, February 27. The Right Hon J. E. B. Seeley, Secretary of War, is moving for a supplementary Army vote made necessary by the retention of 2500 Indian troops at Hong Kong on account of tho disturbed situation in China. Tho Government also intends to develop the military aeronautical service. The military airship squadron will be transferred to the Navy wing; the reason being that the navigation of a great airship is more akin to naval work.

Tho Army will devote its whole efforts to the heavier-tlian-air service. The Navy will hold at the disposal of the War Office any airships purposed for an expeditionary army in the case of such an event arising.