MODERN DEFENCE ARMS

Evening Star, Issue 21824, 13 September 1934, Page 15

MODERN DEFENCE ARMS

DOMINION STRENGTHENING MEASURES HEW FLIGHTS OF BOBBERS AND SCOUTS BIG GUKS FOR COAST PROTEOTIOH (Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 12. Speaking in the House to-night, the Hon. ,J. G. Uobbc (Minister of Dclence) said it was the intention to develop tho existing liaison with Australia. As a first step in that direction the Government had decided to resume the training of officer candidates for the New Zealand Permanent Forces at the Royal Military College, Australia. Four such cadets would be sent to the college early in tho new year. It was also hoped to effect ■an interchange of officers fof varying periods in the near future. It riuist be recognised that New Zealand had a long coastline to protect; consequently tho limiting factor of physical geography entered very largely into defence preparations. In a country such as Now Zeaand tho air arm of the Defence Forces became of enormous importance. That arm would be very materially increased. The Government had at present on order from England two flights of torpedo-carrying aircraft, ono flight of coastal reconnaissance aircraft, all to he manned by regular personnel. In addition to the present nucleus squadrons of tho Territorial Air Force it was intended to effect progressive replacement of machines available for use by the Territorial Air Force, so that ultimately they would be fully equipped with trainer aircraft of the most modern design. He believed the dominion could provide airmen who, when fully trained, for initiative and pluck would he second to none. It was also thought advisable to send a young Air Force officer to the Air Staff College at Andover, England. It was also intended to provide anti-aircraft guns at certain vulnerable points, also to install additional armaments in the existing coast defences. The present guns had not the necessary range for coun-ter-bombardment demanded by modern conditions. The guns to bo installed would be of the latest design, have a range of 20,000yds. A considerably increased amount had been allocated for civil aviation. It was most desirable that this branch should bo encouraged. The advance of £47,792 in the naval vote was accounted for by extra fuel oil, extra naval stores, the refitting of the warship Dunedin, extra training, alterations to works, and necessary machinery. The expenditure for land defence and aviation in 1933-34 was; ■Britain. £1 4s per head; South Africa, 7s 4d; Canada, 4s 2d; Australia, 7s 2d; New Zealand, 3s Bd.