DOMINION NAVIES.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18013, 4 March 1924, Page 6

DOMINION NAVIES.

ADMIRAL ADDISON'S VIEWS. Cprzss association telegbam.) WELLINGTON", March 3. The need for the preservation .of Dominion navies was stressed by EearAdmiral Addison, commander of H.M.A.S. Melbourne, in the course of his remarks at a civic reception this afternoon. The Admiral said he believed in the League of Nations as an ideal, but protection could not be dispensed with. He had seen Melbourne after the police strike—so much for protection. The Navy was really the police force of the world. The British Navy had never been an aggressive force, and should be maintained, if only for the policing of the seas. The Melbourne had assisted the vessel Helen B. Sterling two years ago in the same "way as a policeman assisted a person across a street.

Eeferring to the present visit, Admiral Addison stressed the necessity for naval co-operation between the two Dominions. If both countries preserved a certain naval strength, as much as they could afford, they must obviously work together. The Old Country was not in a position to continue maintaining Dominion fleets from Home, and the Dominions should help in carrying the baby. He had come out from England rather opposed to Dominion navies, but was now absolutely convinced of their necessity. If New Zealand trained her own sailors she -would have a naval reserve iu her own waters should need arise for its use. He felt that the presence of H.M.A.S. Australia out here really "put the hat" on the Germans. Although tho Australia was to be sunk on April Bth, he considered she was worth the money spent on her.