THE STATE OF THE NAVY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 174, 16 August 1909, Page 2

THE STATE OF THE NAVY.

LORD KITCHENER'S NEW POST. "LARGE POSSIBILITIES LNT THE WORK." F/ Cable—Press Association.—Copyright London, Allgiiei. i». In the House of Commons the Hon. U. 1!. Ilaldane, Minister fur War, replied to Mr. W. W. Ashley regarding Lord Kitchener's Mediterranean post and the discussions at the Defence Conference. His reply showed that an opportunity existed for securing a better or a more comprehensive organisation of the military forces of the Crown wherever they were stationed. It had become evident that there was more work to do locally than could be done at headquarters,' therefore it was important that there should be various sub-divisions of the problem of Imperial defences. The whole position should be studied on the spot by officers of high standing and wide experience, with time at their disposal to fully consider the questions involved. Moreover, in the case of the Mediterranean command, there was an inspection of regulars throughout Africa and a giving of military advice to local authorities. It was impossible at present to foresee or define the extent to which such duties might expand in future and so modify situation. There were he added, large possibilities in the work' of reorganisation opening themselves up.

WUU HERESFORD'.S ALLEGATIONS. REPORT OK Tlli COMMITTEE. "NO DANGER TO~THE COUNTRY." LACK OfThARMONY. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Received August 15, 5.5 p.m. JLondon, August 14. The glib-committee' of members of the ! House of Commons, appointed by'the Premier (Mr. Asquith), has issued its report on the recent allegations made against the Admiralty. The report declares that.during tno time covered by Lord Tioresford's allega- , tions, namely,' April 1007 to April 1008, no danger to the country resulted from the Admiralty's arrangements for war, whether considered from a standpoint of organisation or distribution of fleets nnrt the number of ships,'or the preparation for war plans. The report proceeds: " We feel bound to add thnt the arrangements were quite defensible in themselves, though not ideally perfect, and were in practice seriously hampered through the absence of cordial relations between the Hoard of Admiralty and the commander-in-chief of th' channel Heel. The Admiralty do not appear to have taken Lord Jlerc-iford sufficiently into their confidence regarding tile reasons for the dispositions to which he look caption. Lord IScresford, on the other hand, appears to have failed to appreciate or carry out the spirit of the Board's in* struetious and recognise the Hoard's paramount authority." The committee inferred that differences of opinion have existed among officers of high rank on naval strategy ' and tactics, and look forward with much ' confidence to the further development of 1 a naval war staff from which members ' of the Hoard and Hag officers and their ' staffs at sea may be expected to derive ' common benefit.

APPROACHING THE END OF Till! DELIBERATION'S.

London, August 13. The Defence Conference committees are approaching the end of their deliberations. The next plenary meeting is to he, held next week.

It is officially stated that arrangements of a satisfactory nature with Australia are in process of completion.