PROTECTING N.Z.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 184, 5 August 1936, Page 11

PROTECTING N.Z.

INCREASED COSTS.

| STRENGTHENING DEFENCES. I — FAITH IN THE LEAGUE. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. A reference to the unsettled condition of affairs in Europe was made by Mr. Nash in the course of his Budget statement. Mentioning that the atmosphere of Europe and international politics were giving the Government much concern, he said that it had been wisely stated that nations did not necessarily go to war, but that war now came to the nation. "Tlio Government is taking such steps as will provide for the effective defence of the Dominion, and is investigating procedure to this end," he said. "The estimates shov; a substantial increase in naval expenditure. This is to meet commitments that have already been mado to the United Kingdom. The ordinary Defence estimates show a slight increase over last, year, and it is proposed to overhaul completely the expenditure to ensure tile most effective utilisation of the money provided. Whilst making provision for the defence of the Dominion and the maximum cooperation with the British Commonwealth in its policy for this purpose, the Government is of opinion that the progress of the world can only be achieved through a properly organised League of Nations.

"If conflict comes it can end only in domination by powerful nations for a. time or (if-' progressive development is to continue) in the constitution of another League of Nations," continued the Minister. "If a League of Nations is essential to the development of the human race, then our choice is the present League to work out the possibilities of avoiding war before war comes, or another League after war, with its destruction of all that is worth while in material and human values. As suggested by the Prime Minister of Great Britain, if those who clied could come again with the knowledge of experience their presence would prevent the conflict which may come unless the League of Nations is reconstituted now. The Government affirms its faith in the League, and has sent delegations to the International Labour Conference held in June last and to the League Assembly, which is scheduled to open on September 21 next. By agreement with the other countries, the Government will do it? part to maintain the peace of the world."

The total estimated expenditure on defence for the year is £1,264,530, com pared with £1,014,370 last year. Of this year's figure £651,630 is for naval defence. Of the additional £250,000 provided for defence £190,000 is on account of naval defence, due to the fact that larger cruisers are to be taken over, while £60,000 additional is for strengthening land and air defences, particularly the latter. The additional amount for naval defence is offset to the extent of £100,000 by the fact that no contribution toward the Singapore base is required this year.

The following table gives the estimates for various branches of the defence services, compared with the amounts voted and spent last year:— Estimate Voted Expended 1936-37 193.j-.36 1035-36 £ £ £ Naval defence " all charges . 651.630 462,540 462,245 Military: Salaries, all branches ... 171,099 148,0G7 147,275 Officers, instruction abroad 7,926 5,623 6 474 Purchases, buildings maintenance and training .. . 261,720 246,G50 240,030 Non-effective services 210 160 194 Rifle clubs 300 300 228 Aviation: Military 178,722 154,854 169,670 Civil 15.27S 20,014 13,171 Naval Estimates. The sum of £257,844 is allotted in the naval estimates for pay, compared with £255,847 voted last year. Items in the victualling, clothing and _ implements account show increases, principally due to increased numbers of personnel borne in the new cruisers Achilles Leander compared with D class cruisers. Oil fuel for tankers and ships is anticipated to cost £31,818.

The stlm of £42,277 was voted and £42,102 spent last year on naval armament and general stores, but this year £07,379 has been provided. A cost of £3740 will be involved in the erection of a" third oil tank, as further oil stowage will be required by the end of 1937-38 when the Nucula will be dispensed with. Taken together the military and air force estimates total £612,900 against £549,455 voted last year. Compared with £59,358 voted and £42,104 expended last year, it is proposed to devote £00,000 to buildings, fortifications and other items. Field and heavy gun ammunition and other explosives, including the cost of reconditioning, are set down at £25,000. For ordinance stores £35,000 is provided, compared with last year's of £45,000 and expenditure of £47.878. A sum of £32,000 is set aside for small arms ammunition, compared with £12,000 voted and £14,481 spent last year. The pay and allowances to territorials attending camps, including civilian casual labour at the camps, has been increased from £19,000 to £22,000.