214 Mr. William E. White [March 9, 



explanation of this remarkable increase in outlay on modern ships. 

 The range of net cost in the dockyard-built ships is from about 

 780,000Z. for a first class battle-ship down to 50,000Z. for a torpedo 

 gunboat. 



Allowing for alterations in designs, changes in the rates of wages 

 to dockyard workmen, and variations in systems of accounts that have 

 been made since the scheme was first framed, there has been a re- 

 markably close agreement between the original estimate and the 

 actual outlay. That estimate was 21 J millions, the probable expendi- 

 ture 22£ millions, and specific causes of increased cost represent about 

 one million. There are few engineering works of great magnitude 

 where the agreement between estimate and expenditure has been so 

 close. 



The work of construction has been divided between the Royal 

 Dockyards and private firms. Ten millions represent the value of 

 the contract ships and their armaments ; 12f millions the correspond- 

 ing outlay on and for the Dockyard ships. As a matter of fact, the 

 real expenditure in the Dockyards has been on labour, representing 

 about 3f millions. Materials, machinery, guns, gun-mountings 

 and other items of equipment have been made outside the Dock- 

 yards. These figures indicate how large an employment of the 

 manufacturing and industrial resources of the country has been in- 

 volved in carrying out a programme which adds greatly to our naval 

 strength. 



It is the more remarkable that the programme should have been 

 practically carried through as proposed, when it is remembered that 

 the five years over which it has extended have been years of unpre- 

 cedented activity in merchant ship construction. No better proof 

 could be given of the surpassing resources of this country for ship- 

 building and engineering. The great requirements in guns and gun- 

 mountings have also been met with ease. One incidental result of 

 the Naval Defence Act which deserves mention is the enlargement of 

 our resources for the manufacture of ordnance, many eminent firms 

 having undertaken and satisfactorily executed important contracts, 

 and the guns having been ready in time for the ships. A necessary 

 condition of rapid construction is, of course, thorough prevision and 

 pre-arrangement in all departments, so that there shall be no hin- 

 drance of work while waiting for portions of armament or equipment. 

 Rapid construction also means ample financial provision, adjusted to 

 the greatest rate of progress obtainable. Unless such provision is 

 made the work must linger on, and progress will be regulated by the 

 means available. 



In this brief summary of what is involved in making a modern 

 fleet, it has been impossible to dwell upon the many difficulties that 

 have to be met in connection with war-ship designs. War-ships are 

 primarily fighting machines. Fighting efficiency dominates their 

 designs, and more particularly the arrangements laid down as neces- 

 sary for armaments and protection. Every cubic foot of internal 



