Locomotive torpedoes are submarine weapons which possess within themselves the power of locomotion. Of these I will specially notice the Whitehead torpedo, the Lay torpedo, and the Brennan torpedo.

The Whitehead or “fish” torpedo is an uncontrollable weapon, i.e., after it is projected from the bow or side of a vessel it cannot be controlled or directed by the will of an operator. It is made of various sizes, ranging from 14ft. long and 14in. maximum diameter, to 19ft. long by 16in. maximum diameter. The larger size carries a charge of 80lb. of gun-cotton at its bow. Its motive-power is compressed air, which, by means of small engines, drives two screw propellers. It is capable of being adjusted, by means of certain mechanical apparatus, to a certain depth, and when launched will go at a rate of about twenty-five knots an hour or more for several hundred yards.

Properly to use the Whitehead torpedo, however, an expert's knowledge of the weapon and special training is required. In words used by Admiral Boys, once Naval Director of Ordnance, to make it a success you must “love it.” It has only been tried as yet—so far as I am aware—on three occasions in actual warfare, but on one of these it was perfectly successful. This was in 1878, when a Russian steamer fired a Whitehead torpedo against a Turkish vessel off Batoum and destroyed her.

I may mention that the Governments of Austria and Great Britain each gave Mr. Whitehead something like £20,000 for the use of his torpedo, and that nearly all the other European Governments have since purchased the secret. The Turks, however, picked up two of these torpedoes, which they found on the shore after having been unsuccessfully fired at their ships, and so obtained the use of the weapon without paying for it.

The Lay torpedo and the Brennan torpedo are shaped something like the Whitehead; and, like that weapon, are provided with charges at the bow end, which explode on contact. Unlike the Whitehead, however, they are not intended to be discharged as missiles, but are controllable whilst in motion.

The Lay torpedo, an American invention, about 25ft. long, with a maximum diameter of 24in., is a sort of torpedo-boat propelled by screws worked by machinery, the motor of which is carbonic-acid gas. It is controlled by an operator on shore or ship by an electric cable attached to it, and has an apparatus within it by means of which a rudder at the stern can be moved to port or starboard as desired. Upon it are two guide rods by which it is directed, and which can be raised or lowered at will. Each of these is pro-

vided with a disc for day and with a small oil-lamp for night. It is claimed for this torpedo that it is controllable to a distance of upwards of 2,500 yards. I understand that the Russian Government possess several of these weapons. Different accounts, however, are given as to the performances of this torpedo, and further information about it is required before it can be pronounced a success.

The Brennan torpedo, called after the inventor, Mr. Brennan, of Melbourne, appears to be a much simpler weapon. It is about 20ft. long with a maximum diameter of about 20in. In the body of the torpedo are placed two drums round which is wound a fine wire, and the drums are connected with the shaft of the screw propellers attached to the stern. On the wire on the drums inside the torpedo being unwound, the screw-shaft revolves and the torpedo moves ahead. Steering is effected by increasing or decreasing the velocity with which the wire on either drum is unwound. There is an apparatus within the torpedo by means of which it assumes and retains the level below water at which it is required to move. The arrangement for guiding the weapon is somewhat similar in principle to that used in the Lay. In this case, however, there is only one rod and disc attached to the top of the torpedo, which is painted red on the side towards the operator. When used at night, a funnel, which appears above water, and emits luminous chemical fumes, takes the place of the painted disc. The trials of this torpedo in the River Medway, in 1882, showed that it was effective at a range of 2,000 yards, and were deemed so successful that the Imperial Government bought the patent of it.

I now wish to draw your attention to torpedo-vessels, which are now regarded by naval nations as of great importance in maritime warfare.

Steam-launches, or other craft not specially constructed for the purpose, may be fitted with outrigger-spars, at the end of which torpedoes may be placed, and directed against the side of an enemy's ship. Speed, however, being a great element in the success of torpedo-vessels, they are now constructed so as to steam with great rapidity, and to carry Whitehead torpedoes, which, as I have already stated, may be propelled against a ship at a distance of several hundred yards. As you are no doubt aware, some of these vessels of the second class have lately been provided, on the recommendation of Major-General Scratchley, to take part in the defence of your principal ports. These measure 63ft. long with a beam of 7ft. 6in., will go about seventeen knots per hour, and one of them has been fitted with gear for the Whitehead torpedo.

Torpedo-boats have, however, been constructed of much greater size and speed, and with sea-going qualities.

About four years ago one was built for the Russian Government of larger dimensions than any that had been constructed before, it being desired that she should be a sort of torpedo-cruiser, capable of going to sea in rough weather, and have coal-carrying capacity sufficient to make a run at a moderate speed of at least eight hundred miles. This vessel, called the “Batoum,” is represented by the photograph herewith. She is 100ft. in length by 12ft. beam, and adapted for carrying four Whitehead torpedoes. To take her to her destination three short masts and sails were temporarily fitted to her as a precautionary measure in case the machinery broke down or the coal-supply ran short. She left England in August, 1880, having a crew on board of three officers and nine men, and steamed from London to Nicolaieff, exclusive of stoppages, in eighteen days, the distance run being 4,800 miles, including calling at Fiume on the way —being an average speed of eleven knots an hour. On trial a speed of twenty-two knots was actually obtained from her.

This vessel, which was the first torpedo-boat that made a successful voyage of any duration, has been considered by many Governments to be worthy of reproduction; for, soon after its construction, the Argentine, Greek, Brazilian, Austrian, Dutch, and Italian Governments ordered similar vessels. In fact, the “Batoum” may be said to have given rise to an altogether new type of sea-going torpedo-cruiser.

The Victorian Government have already in their possession a vessel of this class, but somewhat superior, named the “Childers.” Her cost was £10,500. She is 113ft. 6in. long, with a beam of 12ft. 6in., and was brought out to Port Phillip by sea, just as the “Batoum” was from London to Nicolaieff. In order to render these vessels effective for the defence of the harbours of New Zealand, it would be necessary to have a considerable number of them, and it would be essential that they should be manned by crews specially trained for their service.

(I will for a moment ask you to look at the photographs herewith of some torpedo-vessels belonging to the English, Russian, Italian, Greek, Argentine, and other Governments.)

I have referred to locomotive torpedoes and torpedo-vessels, because these are the means by which, it is urged by some, that the defence of ports which cannot be otherwise specially protected may be provided. I confess, however, that though it appears to me probable that the Brennan torpedo may be turned to account for the defence of New Zealand harbours, I do not see my way at present to advise the adoption of other locomotive torpedoes, or to suggest that

outlay should now be incurred in the direction of providing more torpedo-vessels.

Nor—though I should be glad to see a man-of-war provided as a nucleus for other naval forces—can I advise that the recommendations made by some of my naval friends for the purchase and maintenance by the colony of a considerable number of war-cruisers, gun-vessels, and torpedo-boats should be acted on.

In the distant future New Zealand may become—I venture to foretell she will become—a considerable Naval Power; but meanwhile she must be content with what her present resources will enable her to accomplish. The most practical suggestion that I can now make with regard to the provision by the colony of vessels of war is to make arrangements for utilizing certain vessels of the Union Steamship Company as auxiliary cruisers for local defence.

More than a year ago I wrote to the authorities in England to consult them on this subject, and I find that five of these ships, viz., the “Rotomahana,” the “Tarawera,” the “Waihora,” the “Hauroto,” and the “Rotorua” can easily, by additional bulkheads or water-tight subdivisions, be rendered capable of complying with the conditions as to flotation necessary to qualify them for use as armed cruisers. Coal-bunkers can also be arranged in them so as to provide protection to the machinery against shot and shell-fire, it having been found by experiment that coal will afford a measure of such protection.

In like manner the “Aorangi,” “Ruapehu,” and “Tongariro,” belonging to the New Zealand Shipping Company, and two ships of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company would be available as armed cruisers.

The diagram before you shows a vessel somewhat of the character of the five last-mentioned, fitted with armament, coal protection, and other details necessary to constitute her a war-cruiser. The ships of the Union Steamship Company would be similarly treated, on a scale suitable to their dimensions.

Probably, in case of war, the armaments, stores, and fitments required for the direct steamship lines would be put on board in England. As regards the vessels of the Union Steamship Company, however, I would recommend that everything necessary to be placed in them in order to constitute them auxiliary cruisers, including armament of breach-loading guns and machine guns, should be kept in store at one of the principal ports of New Zealand, ready to be put on board whenever war appeared imminent. I suggest also that arrangements be made with the Union Steamship Company for fitting the vessels I have named with the additional bulkheads necessary to give them the requisite degree of flotation and other fitments for war-vessels.

I shall be happy to supply, or to obtain if I cannot supply, any information that may be required with a view of carrying out this proposal.

It is obvious that the several measures which I have recommended will be of no avail without efficient land and sea forces. If the works for the defence of the principal ports are to fulfil their purpose, the batteries must be well manned and there must be proper garrisons for them. The discipline of the field-forces and of the forces generally, and their ability to act against an enemy, can only be acquired by proper and sufficient training. Officers commanding at each place should have a clear view as to what they would have to do in case of attack. For the handling of vessels of war and the working of their armaments, amongst other requirements, a knowledge of gunnery is essential. Again, the application of torpedoes requires skill, which can only be obtained by men who give special attention to that department of defence.

Major-General Scratchley entered into the subject of the organization of the forces in much detail, and since his visit, though not according to his suggestions, some action was taken in the matter. Generally speaking, however, the whole arrangement of the military and naval forces of the colony should be gone into with reference to the duties which each section would have to perform in case of war, and the organization which is necessary to resist foreign aggression should harmonize with that which is essential for internal defence. I may remark that this would be much facilitated by the completion of railway communication throughout the North Island.

I have not time now, and, if I had, it would be out of place for me to discuss the details of these matters. I may, however, say that it appears to me that one of the first steps to be taken here should be to obtain the services of an officer of the army as commandant, with a staff-officer under him, to manage matters relating to the land forces. Of these, one should be a Royal Artilleryman. An officer of the Navy should also be appointed to deal with naval organization and naval questions generally; and, if no better arrangement can be made, it is desirable that he should be selected with a view to his taking charge of business relating to submarine mines and locomotive torpedoes. There is abundance of military and naval spirit in this country, but efficient organization is essential, in order that it may be turned to the best account.

To recapitulate. I recommend that the principal—cities and ports of New Zealand shall be defended by land batteries and submarine

mines, where applicable; that arrangements be made for utilizing for purposes of war the fine merchant-steamers which are capable of being so turned to account; and that the land and naval forces of the colony be reorganized, so as to fit them for the duties they would have to perform if called upon for actual service.

It may, however—and not unreasonably—be inquired, “But how much will all this cost?” Well, not so large a sum as many suppose. The whole thing could be done for a capital sum of £400,000. Of course, there would also be some annual expenditure, in addition to that at present incurred, for maintenance, for ammunition and stores, and for the pay of officers and men. I cannot now say what this would amount to, but it would not be large.

Now, I venture to think that, considering the interests at stake, the capital sum I have named is a moderate price to pay for the benefit it will purchase. Not to mention the amount of the local commerce of the colony, the value of the cities to be defended is probably about thirty millions sterling. The loss which would be occasioned by one attack would far exceed the outlay which would have prevented it; and the degradation to which it would subject the country is beyond my power to estimate.

New Zealand, however, at present expends scarcely anything for the purpose of resisting foreign aggression, whilst that of other States, whose revenue, and imports and exports combined, are about the same as hers, is very considerable. For instance, in 1882 the naval expenditure alone of the Argentine Republic was upwards of £120,000; that of Chili, £244,000 (peace expenditure); that of Greece, with a revenue of about £1,600,000 and : a commerce of less than seven millions sterling, was £133,000. I know that the circumstances of these States are, in many respects, different from those of New Zealand, and I do not advocate that she should enter into competition with them. I do, however, venture to suggest that she should not rest content in her present unprotected condition. It is not only impolitic, but rash, for her to remain in a passive, defence-less state, unprepared to resist aggression, trusting to the forbearance of any Power possessing the means of attack.

The necessary measures should be taken gradually and deliberately, and should not be deferred for spasmodic action, at a time of panic, when steps would be hurriedly taken, which would surely lead to useless expenditure, and would, moreover, not effect their object. New Zealand is no longer in her infancy, but in the full vigour of youth, and I am sure that her people—vital as the question is to them—are prepared to incur the burden and the responsibility of their defence.