DEPLETED NAVY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 209, 1 June 1931, Page 11

DEPLETED NAVY

Effect on Empire Defence UNEASY FEELING CREATED Recent public utterances of distinguished naval men that they felt grave concern as to the present position of the British navy were mentioned by Colonel Colquhoun in proposing the toast of the Navy and Army at the reunion of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles on Saturday evening. Colonel Colquhoun’s views were listened to with attention by an attendance of about 70. Captain T. C. A. Hoslop presided. “There is no need for mg to endeavour to extol the great achievements of the navy and army in the defence and. developmenit of the Empire,” said Colonel Colquhoun. “I am sure we are all agreed that measures should be taken to maintain peace among the nations; but if that goodwill is to be lasting, it must be no one-sided affair. There is an uneasy feeling being created among certain citizens of the Empire that other nations are not reducing their armaments in proportion to Great Britain.” The speaker quoted figures showing naval strength over the last decade and a half, and of the scrapping which had taken place from time to time. The naval estimates for 1930-31 had been reduced by some millions compared with the figures for the previous year. Other powers had increased their naval estimates. “In view of these figures,” said Colonel Colquhoun, “it is not surprising that recently two distinguished sailors, Earl Jellicoe and Admiral Keyes, should give public utterance to grave concern regarding the position of the British Navy today. Regarding New Zealand’s share in the defence of the Empire, 1 am of the opinion that the fundamental principle of New Zealand’s contribution is that it is ou. duty to provide a force proportional in strength to that provided in Great Britain. We should not depend entirely on the Mother Country.” Other toasts proposed during the evening were as follow: "Fallen Comrades,” the chairman ; ‘•Wellington U.5.A.,” Regimental Quartermaster J. Spence, reply, Major J. Watson; “Mounted Brigade,” M:Vr A. de B. Brandon, reply, Lieutenant M. C. Redmond; “Visiting Units,” the chairman, reply. Captain Nicholls, of the Legion of Frontiersmen; “The Ladies,” Mr. E. C. McKay, reply, Mr. L. Theobald. Arrangements had been made ■ by a special committee of which Lieut. Redmond was chairman, and the gathering was a big success. Musical items were given at intervals during the evening.