YACHTS FOR DEFENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9133, 30 April 1908, Page 5

YACHTS FOR DEFENCE.

PROPOSAL CONDEMNED IN

AUSTRALIA

Received April 30, 10.25 a.m. Sydney, April 30,

The Herald says that the New Zealand proposal to encourage tbe building of seagoing yachts with a view to their use for coastal defence purposes is generally regarded in local naval circles as having more humour than utility.

Commander Brownlow, State naval commandant, looking at the proposal as it appears in the papers and not being in possession of further data, says that it certainly seems to him impracticable for defence. Auxiliary vessels with a speed of five miles were no use whatever for purposes of coastal defence, and even boats built for racing would ba of no use. The only vessels that could bo used for purposes of defence in this respect would bo up-to-date destroyers or vessels of the Scout class. The New Zealand suggestion was evidently made with the view cf co-operation in time of war between tbe Gommoonwealth and the Dominion, but a proper wireless telegraph system would be of more benefit than any conbiuatioa of yacht clubs to provide vessels.