PREPARING IN PEACE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21866, 20 August 1936, Page 12

PREPARING IN PEACE

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY DESCRIBED COMMITTEES WORKING FOR LAST TWO YEARS ORGANISING NATIONAL SCHEME OF DEFENCE [From Our Parliamentary Reporter] WELLINGTON, August 19. The statement on defence made in the House of Representatives this evening by the Minister for Defence (the Jion. F, Jones) during the discussion on the question embraced what was probably the most comprehensive and frank survey of the problem ever given to the country. An important feature of this speech was an outline of the work that has been proceeding during the last two years in organising the national defence scheme. Representations had been made by the British Government as far back as 1926, said Mr Jones, for the setting up in every Dominion of some organisation along the lines of the committee of Imperial Defence. Such an organisation had now been operating in New Zealand for two years, and its functions were exactly similar to those of the English body. Its objects were to investigate in time of peace all matters affecting national security, and not merely those which concerned armed forces. “At present 12 special committees are functioning in New Zealand,” Mr Jones said. “Many have already submitted reports, some of which have been considered by the Cabinet. The greater part of their work, of course, is secret. A scheme has been arranged for co-ordinating and expediting map production in New Zealand, with the co-operation of seven Government departments. , Efforts are being made to co-ordinate activities in the event of a national disaster such as a severe earthquake, and the same arrangements would be applicable to the disorganisation that would be caused by an air raid. “Another committee, representing some 20 Government departments, is investigating the'.problem of supplies in war. By this is meant supplies for the community at large. The committee is investigating the supply of oil fuel and lubricants and a rationing scheme for the provision of refrigerated space in -.the event qf war and the breakdown of overseas transport. Meat killings could be stooped, but it would be necessary to know the exact facilities for the cold storage of butter, cheese, and other goods, and all relevant details. Communications and Transport “Other committees are dealing with communications, including cables and wireless, man power, and '■ shipping and meteorological services. A survey is also being made of all forms of transport, so that complete information will be available, the number of motor vehicles available in case of emergency, and their suitability for special kinds of work. All this work is proceeding steadily. “The Government holds that it is far better to take steps now to examine fully .the /resources of the country. ' If war comes—-and we sincerely hone that it will not come—we should be able to avoid much of the confusion . and chaos which occurred in 1914.” Dealing with the specific defence services, the . Minister said an undertaking had been given to the British Government that after the Dominion had completed its contributions toward the cost of the Singapore base. New Zealand would be prepared to maintain a third cruiser. That arrangement had subsequently been altered at the request of the British Government so that the Dominion would maintain two cruisers, larger than those which had formerly served on the station. Mr Jones also mentioned that expenditure on the reconstruction of the Devonport naval base would amount to £250,000, The Minister said that the scheme for the development of fortifications and coast defence in New Zealand would take six years to complete from 1934-35, and would cost about £1,000,000. So far £360,000 had been expended. Analysing the figures of the territorial force, Mr Jones said the training position was not satisfactory. Half the force was leaving every year, and half consisted of recruits. It was impossible to have trained forces while that state of affairs existed. What had to be decided was whether the territorial force was necessary. If it was .it would have to be brought up to the highest standard of efficiency. Figures, Mr Jones said, showed that New Zealand in general had not been unmindful of her obligations to Empire defence. She would continue to play her part. Mechanising the Units He described the measures being taken to mechanise the New Zealand units. Anti-aircraft units are in the process of formation. In Auckland and Wellington there are four anti-aircraft guns, tractor-drawn, two ammunition lorries, one stores lorry, six anti-air-craft searchlights, lorry transported, one stores lorry for searchlights, and two section commanders’ cars. Orders have been placed for the wheels necessary to convert the present horse-drawn medium artillery to that suitable for faster mechanical traction and experiments have been conducted in the use of a commercial lorry chassis as machine-gun carriers. The Government is also considering adding motor-cycle rifle and Lewisgun detachments to certain existing territorial force units. “I believe that aviation will play a big part in the next war,” said Mr Jones, “and also that it will be of increasing importance in transport. This year we intend to spend £300,000 on aerodromes throughout the’ country, and most of them will have real defence value. The two most important aerodromes are at Hobsonville and Wigram, and here definite plans have been adopted for the provision of new hangars; workshops, and barracks. The total estimates of cost are £126,239 at Hobsonville, and £124,735 at Wigram. Up to the end of the last financial year £78,896 had been expended on both these works. • This year we propose to spend £62,000, next year £BO,OOO. and in 1938 £40,000.” Training School at Wigram? The Minister gave details of the aircraft at present maintained at Hobsonville and Wigram, ana stated that there was an urgent need for new machines. Last year the Government had failed to order an additibhal flight of trainer aircraft, and the present position was that orders had to be placed for delivery 12 months ahead. Two-engined aeroplanes were also a necessity. The Government had already agreed to an increase in the Air Force personnel. It was also possible that a training!* school might he established at Wigram for both civil and defence aviation, “We do not want scaremongers,” Mr Jones concluded. “I do not believe that we in this country are in .any positive danger so long as Britain continues to hold her own in European affairs. The only possible danger that we can see at the moment is from

a raiding cruiser or an armed merchantman laying mines round our epast. Under those circumstances it is estimated that the largest enemy force that could be landed in New Zealand would be about 200. One possible enemy is persistently referred to. Perhaps that nation, too, has just as much to fear as we have. However, we must study the position and see that New Zealand is protected. The Government is not going to shirk its responsibilities, It is not a question of spending a lot of money, but of seeing that we get full value for all our expenditure.”