DOMINION’S DEFENCES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 13

DOMINION’S DEFENCES

Farmers Seek Government’s Attitude Dominion Special Service. Masterton, May 21. * New Zealand’s defences were discussed nt a meeting of the Wairarapa provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union held in Masterton to-day, and it was decided to forward a remit to the annual conference to be held In Feilding next week, asking the Government to define its attitude. The question was introduced by the president. Mr. 11. Morrison, who said l.e thought the Government should be asked what attitude it proposed I” adopt for local defence. The world at present was In a serious position, and it one looked at; the sister Dominions it would be seen that they were spending millions of pounds on their defences. The position of the British Empire was not: as it: was in 11)14. The Navy was supreme then, but it was not supreme now, and it might not be able to come to New Zealand’s assistance if she were attacked. “I believe in what Mr. H. A. 'Wright, said in the House, that any country not prepared for eventualities will be annihilated, and that, is quite likely to happen,” Mr. Morrison said. “It seems to me we should not put down a policy, but. just ask the Government what attitude it intends to take.” Mr. J. Andrew said the late Government did import some bombing aeroplanes which were to 'be fitted with torpedoes, but no torpedoes were forthcoming because Hie money was not available. That, was the position, and he thought it was n scandalous state of affairs.