NAVY’S TRAINING SHIPS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1967, 22 April 1919, Page 2

NAVY’S TRAINING SHIPS.

AFTEK u loii”' spell of patrol and convoy duly during- the sea campaign, in iliu course of which she “hugged” a whole Heel: oil German merchantmen on the West African Coast, Hie cruiser Cumherlaiid has been recommissioned by Captain Gordon Campbell, V.C., D. 5.0., who succeeds Captain Blackett. Captain Campbell earned the V.C, for Ids wonderful work in the “Q” ships, Tiie Cumberland now reverts to her jire-war duties as a sea-go-ing training-ship for naval cadets, in which capacity she was commissioned just over twelve years ago alter a period of service with the Second Cruiser Squadron. Her sister-ship, the Cornwall, is again employed in the same work. The commissioning of these two ships seems to dispose of rumours which have long been current with respect to the recasting of the Selbornq scheme. There has been in certain quarters a movement to demodel the system of entry for naval officers more on the lines followed in Germany and America. The old method of (aking'small boys, “almost as soon as they are breeched,'’ and forthwith dedicating them to the naval service, is criticised as obsolete and prejudicial to the highest’ interests of the nation, on the ground that the boys are too young to know their own minds, and, in many cases, a few years of reflection might lead them to adopt careers more profitable to themselves and their country. The subject has been debated a score of times in the last generation, but there is still no sign of any change in the existing system. Nor, considering the splendid record of our naval officers throughout the war, is it at all certain that a change is needed. British naval officers may lack something of the scientific knowledge which German and United Stales officers are said to possess, but in seamanship, resourcefulness, and allround professional efficiency they are second to none. And an leaders of men they are easily first.