FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 15, 10 September 1912, Page 5

FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE.

PARTICULARS OF NEW SCHEMI

NO PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES

London, September 9. The First Sea Lord of the Admiralty, under the new scheme, will undertake the general direction and supervision of all business relating to the Navy, political and board questions. _ A memorandum explains that the title "Controller," as additional to that of Third Sea Lord, is'abolished, but while tho latter is restricted generally to the work of designing, all factors, contributing to designing _ muss n, within his control to enable him to dea with the whole problem, as a warship is primarily a gun platform, and scarcely anything connected with design can lie considered apart from armament. Henceforth the department will exist. The ordinance and torpedoes will be transferred, so far as material is concerned, from the First to tne Xniru Sea Lord. Tne First Sea Lord will bo responsi hie tor gunnery and torpedo LjiO tactical employment of aircraft, and all military questions connected with tne foregoing. Tho Second Sea Lord will supervise the personnel of the fleet. Tin I'ouron Bea Lord will have charge oi stores and transports. The Civil Ajom will bo entrusted with the charge ci works, buildings, and the Greenwich Hospital. An additional Civil Lord will be 'appointed to supervise contracts and dockyard business, but general labour questions will remain under the Parliamentary Financial becie tary. The Permanent Secretary will deal with general office organisation and correspondence. The memorandum adds that the new system presents no practical difficulties and is well understood by all concerned.

SECOND MEMORANDA. London, September 9. A second memorandum explains that the Director of Equipment is to bo associated with the direction of Dockyards Superintendent in contract work, in advising on questions arising ouc of building alterations and repairs constantly, to take stock of the condition of ships, and to bo empowered to confer with tho superintendents of dockyards on details and informing the heads of other professional departments on all matters whereof they should be cognisant. A third memorandum establishes the Finance Committee on a more forma! and responsible basis. A circular letter to the fleet has abolished certain forms of punishment, substituting less rigorous forms, including extra work. It prescribe greater supervision for youths under twenty.

PRESS COMMENTS. London, September 9. "The Times" praises. Mr. Winston Churchill for his lucid and cogent memoranda. It adds that the Admiralty has often displayed a genius for effective administration and native aptitude in evolving new organs as circumstances require for its conduct. Tho changes now announced recognise this genius, which is a strong argument in their favour.

The "Telegraph" comments that tha scheme is an important and far-reach-ing one, calculated to strengthen tha administration and fighting efficiency of the fleet by placing experienced officers to deal" with professional matters.

Mr. Hopwood will be acting Admitalty buyer, business Admiralty buyer and business manager.

The "Daily News" says that th° changes affecting the Third Sea Lord are sound, and should contribute to an improvement in the vital matter of construction, wherein foreign competi tion is increasingly formidable. .The "Chronicle" says that tit spreading of the labours of the board much more evenly will make for greater efficiency. Mr. Churchill has clearly shown that he is on the right road.

The "Daily Mail" says that the reforms will improve organisation and diminish the complexity of the Admiralty. They will undoubtedly increase efficiency, enabling the First Sea Lore! to devote the whole of his time to proMoms of war, which are more than sufficient for any hrain. (Received 10, 10 55 a.m.') London, September P*. The Challenger Ims arrived at Plymouth. The Admiralty is introducing armoured roofs to protect magazines, and oil fuel tanks at Home ports, against air craft.