§ The anticipations expressed in my Statement of February 1888 as to the progress to be made in New Construction during 1888–89 have been realised for the most part, and in some cases surpassed.
§ In a few instances the performance has fallen short of what was originally hoped for; but there have been special circumstances to account for the difference.
§ The completion for sea of the Victoria and Sans Pareil after their delivery by the Contractors has been effected, as it was feared it might be, by the dates of delivery of the 110-ton turret guns. Both ships are, however, now fully in hand, and it is expected that the Victoria will be ready for Commission (as flagship in the Mediterranean) in the course of two or three months.
§ The protected cruiser Magicienne has been delivered by the Contractors, and is about to proceed on her steam trials. Her sister ship, the Marathon, is nearly ready for delivery.
§ The conclusion of a Contract for the Blenheim was purposely delayed, until September 1888, for reasons that need not here be given; and this fact, together with the difficulty of obtaining an adequate supply of steel materials in consequence of the great demand for mercantile shipbuilding, accounts for the expenditure on that ship having fallen short of what was originally proposed.
§ Similar difficulties in obtaining materials have been experienced by the Contractors for the Bellona and the seven vessels for Australasian service, but it is hoped that these difficulties have now been surmounted, and that in subsequent stages of the work lost ground will be recovered.
§ Two composite gunboats, the Sparrow and Thrush, complete the list of armed vessels building by contract. They are to be delivered early in the next financial year.
§ Besides these armed vessels, there have been in progress in private yards a considerable number of coaling craft, designed in accordance with the recommendations of a Special Committee appointed to consider the arrangements suitable for coaling the Fleet.
§ A new type of boat has also been designed for the purpose of being carried on board large warships and employed in mining operations or in coaling. The first example of the type is now undergoing trial, and, if successful, it is proposed to add to the number in the coming financial year.
§ Six first class and ten second class torpedo boats have been ordered during 1888–89 for Naval Service, and are considerably advanced.
§ The first class torpedo boats are 130 feet long, the guaranteed speed, when fully loaded, is 22½ knots, and they are to carry an armament of 3-pr. quick-firers as well as three torpedo tubes.
§ The second class boats are of an improved type obtained as the result of a competition between the firms most experienced in this class of work. They are 60 feet long, have a guaranteed speed of 16 knots, and are to carry a machine gun as well as two torpedo dischargers.
§ In addition to these torpedo boats the Admiralty have advised and assisted the India Office in the construction of seven first class torpedo boats, which are now practically complete and in course of being dispatched to India.