MODERN WARSHIPS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1565, 15 March 1887, Page 3

MODERN WARSHIPS.

Mr W, H. While, the AssistantController of the Navy, delivered a lecture at the Mansio » House recently. He first reviewed all the principal types of British warships since 1859, when the ironclad reconstruction of the Koyal Navy began. It wap in May, 1859, that the first Engli h sea-going armored ship, the Warrior was ordered. The new departure made by the Admiralty in the design ot the Warrior class, and later on in the Minotaur class, was remarkable for its boldness and success, «ven when regarded from our present ‘•tandpoint. AfterwarJs came the “ belt and battery” system nf 1863-67, exemplified by the Bellerophon and Hercules, while the Devastation of 1869 marked another step, by the frank abandonment of sail power, and the safety of the ships at sea being entrusted to twin screws. In the Inflexible of 1874 the distinctive feature of an armament of four heavy guns in two turrets, with complete command of the horizon, was maintained. She represented in the highest degree the principle of concentration of armor and armament; and the Colossus, built wholly of steel and embodying several new features, well represented the state of naval construction at the time she was built. He passed on to discuss in detail torpedoes of various kinds and torpedo boat construction in the modern sense, remarking that actual experience was not favorable to the extreme view of enthusiasts in torpedo warfare. Mr White observed that for many reasons the development of the swift cruiser classes was to be welcomed, and speaking of the possible use of mercantile auxiliaries in time of war, he said he believed that these armed vessels would in many ways b« of immense value to the country. But he did not concur in the opinion that they were to be treated as substitutes tor regular war ships, and that the navy could be reduced in numbers because these auxilaries were or might be availab e. Lord Charles Bereeford who was in the chair, said a warship was always a compromise. They could not make a first-class fighting ship to do the duty of a first-class passenger ship, or vice versa. What they wanted was a compromise between the two, W hat with the demand of the engineer for increased space for his engines ; of the gunnery lieutenant for more rooms far bis guns; and the other requirements on board a modern fighting ship, the life of a naval constructor was anything but a happy one. Upon the question of armour-plating for ships of war, Lord Charles expressed himself against the theory that ironclads of a given thickness of plating could be pierced by such and such a gun.