IRONCLADS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1009, 26 September 1882, Page 3

IRONCLADS.

Ironclads and their armaments are subjects of peculiar interest at the present moment. Referring to the Italian navy, tlie Pall Mall Budget of 2nd Juno state* that:—" Experiments will shortly take place at Spezia to teat the resistance of various forms of armour, especially that of the coming great ships, the Italia and Lapantn The principal weapon brought against targets will bo the 100-to i Armstrong muzzle-loader, as the 100-ton breech-loaders which will form the armament of the Italia and Lepanto are not yet quite ready, though they, or at least examples of them, are expected at Spezia some time this summer. Till they are produced the 100-ton muzzle-loader remains the most powerful gun in the world, as the Italia and her sister ship will, when liunchod, be the most powerful ironclads. Meanwhile the Dandolo, sister to the Duilio, made a trial trip last week from Spezia to Genoa and back ; oyer a measured course. There was a fresh breeze and rough water. Daring the return from Genoa against a head sea the whole of the forward part of the deck was swept with water. Under these conditions, the Dandolo made an average speed of 15.6 knots, and the Italian authorities exprct her to steam fully 16 knots over the measured mile. But it must be remembered that the engine* have so far been worked by Englishman sent out by Messrs Mandslay, and the performances of the Dandolo under such condition* are likely to bo better than anything that will be done, later on in regular service.”