XXX VI. 



Neiv Zealand Institute. 



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 20m. 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 Govern- 

 ment 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 tor- 

 pedoes 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, 



