Notes and Events.

Manawatu Herald, 23 June 1896, Page 3

Notes and Events.

The patriotic citizens of Barcelona provided a man-of-war for the Span- ' ish Government and several other cities are following the example. This is better than the " Shipmoney " which was raised in Eng- : land to form a navy in 1007 to oppose the Danes. When this tax was levied by Charles I in 1634- 6, it was much opposed and led to the revolution. The expenditure on ships in those days and now are in marked con - trast. Charles I assessed London in seven ships of 4000 tons and 1560 men ; Yorkshire in two ships of 600 tons or £12,000 ; Bristol in one ship of 100 tons ; Lancashire in one ship of 400 tons. The first known Bhip, probably a galley, was brought from Egypt to Greece 1485 B.C. The first doubledecker was built by the Tyrians 768 B.C. The first double-decked ship built in England was of 1000 tons, and was built by the order of Henry VII. and called the " Great Harry." A prehistoric ship cut of solid oak, 48 feet long, 4 feet 4 inches wide, and 2 feet deep, was found by the Brigg Gas Company while excavating near the river Ancholme, in Lincolnshire, 1885. The British Navy is under the control of the Lords of the Admiralty. The First Lord (Rt. Hod. G. J. Goschen) has supreme authority, and i 3 a member of the Cabinet. The senior naval lord (Admiral Sir F. W. Richards) directs the movements of the fleets, and is responsible for their discipline. The second naval lord (Rear-Admiral Sir F. G. D. Bedford) superintends the man* ning of the fleets, coastguard, and transport departments. The junior naval lord (Rear-Admiral Sir J. A. Fisher) deals with the victualling of the fleets and medical departments.