THE BRITISH NAVY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3163, 14 April 1909, Page 5

THE BRITISH NAVY.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

SUGGESTED INQUIRY

REQUEST TO PRIME MINISTER

Received April 13, 8.30 a.m. LONDON, April 12,

The Prime Minister (Right Hon. H. H. Asquith) has promised to carefully consider a letter from Lieutenant Bellairs, Liberal member for King's Lynn, and several members of the Houses of Lords and Commons, suggesting that there should be an enquiry into the scope and effect of the changes in the Navy during the last forty'years. The writers suggest that the witnesses should be guaranteed that their testimony would be treated as confidential, and as not affecting their promotion.

They urge that it will be better to I enquire before a crisis than after, as in the case of the Army after the Botu* war. ADMIRAL FISHEK VINDICATED. Received April 13, 8.20 a.m. LONDON, April 12. "The Times" publishes a long special article defending the existing Admiralty sjstem, and Sir John Fisher, the First Sea Lord. "The Times" appears to be rather unstable in its views. Yesterday the cable brought us word that the leading journal which had previously supported the Admiralty regime and Sir John Fisher, had published a long arLicle declaring that Sir John had made the Admiralty a one-man department, and prevented continuity of naval policy.. To-day's message indicates a complete change of front.

LORD BERESFORD'S VIEWS. Received April 13, 10.30 p.m. LONDOft, April 13. The "Chronicle" states that Lord Berisford sent Mr H. H. Asquith a State paper embodying his views in regard to defects in the navy, and the conditions necessary to socure maritime supremacy.