§ It was anticipated, in framing the Estimates for 1888–89, that the 23 ships mentioned in the programme of last year would be completed and passed into the 1st class Reserve by the 31st March 1889, and this would, without doubt, have been done as far as the armoured ships are concerned but for the delay in the delivery of their main armament.
§ The Dockyard work is complete on all these vessels, except Camperdown, Anton, and Aurora, where there is but very little left to be done, and that little is dependent on the receipt of guns.
§ The Trafalgar might be completed by the end of June next, but her last gun will not be delivered until 31st August 1889. If it had not been for this, and also for delays of materials for Trafalgar's turret roller paths, the cost of building would be less than is now expected. A reduction of £85,000 for labour, and £15,000 for material has, however, been made on her original building estimate.
§ It is proposed to commence building in the Dockyards during the present financial year the following 20 ships, viz:—
- 4 Battle Ships, 1st class.
- 1 Battle Ships, 2nd class.
- 3 Protected Cruisers, 1st class.
- 2 Protected Cruisers, 2nd class.
- 4 Cruisers (Pandoras).
- 6 Torpedo Gunboats (Sharpshooter class).
§ To enable this new work to be begun, and to complete 26 out of the 30 ships now building, as well as push on the repairs and reconstructions above mentioned the Vote for Shipbuilding, Repairs, Maintenance, &c. (Vote 8) has been increased by £615,900. The sum of £202,465 is the net increase on that part of this expenditure, as detailed in Vote B appended to the Estimates.
§ A special order has been issued during the year, by which a higher rate of speed than that known "as economical speed," has been directed for the future to be periodically maintained by H.M. Ships when making passages. The reasons for and objects of this order are explained in the Circular Letter in the Appendix.