Netherlands, May 1898

[Borys]

 News from the Netherlands; May 1898

3 May;

The Royal Foriegn Affairs Office offically announced today that a treaty
has in fact been completed with the New Swiss government that will
exchange coaling rights. The NSN will recievce rights to coal and conduct
repairs in Singapore and Jakarta in the NEI. The RN will receive like
rights in Syndey Australia and elsewhere.
This is the first treaty with the New Switzerland. We appluad the
efforts of our diplomats and theirs.

10 May;

The Admirality has annouced that the remaining 10 A_Class Torpedoboats
will be decommisioned and probably scrapped. The are to replaced with new
class of larger torpedoboats. The first of the 'D-Class" is planned to be
completed sometime early in 1899.

17 May;

Yesterday while out for her afternoon ride Her Majesty, Queen Wilhemina,
was throw from her horse when it lost it's footing after completing a
jump. The Queen was not seriuosly injured. It was reported that she got to
her feet unassisted and brushing herself off, asking about her horse. She
insisted that she walk back to the stables.
She quipped 'that will teach me to be more careful with horses'
The rest of her group of course all dismounted to walk with her.

28 May;

The sloop HMS Timor has been completed in Singapore. This is the first
ship of this size built in the colonies. The Timor will conduct her
shakedown cruise through the Java Sea to Surabaya and return.