§ Of the seven vessels to be built for this special service, five are to be protected cruisers and two torpedo gunboats.
§ It has been decided that the latter shall be built from the "Sharpshooter" design.
§ The protected cruisers will in their principal dimensions closely approximate to the "Medea" class of the Royal Navy, described on page 11 of last year's Statement. They will be of about 2,500 tons displacement, have a maximum speed of 19 knots, and be identical in protection with the "Medea" class.
§ Their armament will include—
- 8 36-prs. quick-firers.
- 8 3-prs. quick-firers.
- 4 Torpedo tubes.
§ In the discussions which took place at the time of the Colonial Conference these vessels were described as "Improved Archers." The substantial character of the improvement will be seen from the statement that the new vessels will possess the following advantages over the "Archers":—
- 2 knots higher speed.
- A strong protective deck.
- A more modern armament; about 10 per cent, heavier in its total weight.
- A radius of action about 30 per cent, greater.
§ It is anticipated that all these vessels will be ready for service within two years from the date of order.