NAVY LEAGUE

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 20

NAVY LEAGUE

REPORT OF OTAGO BRANCH “ It is gratifying to note that during the past year a greater interest has been taken by all members of the community in Empire defence. Nevertheless, this branch of the Navy League has made every endeavour to stress the need for still greater efforts in this direction,” stated the annual report of the Otago branch of the Navy League, which was presented to the annual meeting this afternoon. The report stated that in February a conference of all New Zealand branches of the Navy League was held in Wellington. The delegates reported that the conference was. the most successful of its kind held for many years, and! at the conclusion a deputation waited on the Hon. P. Fraser, Minister of Education and Marine, requesting that the Government be urged: (1) To contribute to a greater extent to the cost of the defence: of the Empire; (2) to assist in facilitating the entry of New Zealand men both into the Royal Navy and the mercantile services; (3) to endeavour to establish ,a training ship in New Zealand waters; (4) to give recognition to the Navy League Sea Cadets. Mr J. Sutherland Ross was elected president of the conference of the New Zealand branches for the ensuing year. The usual service was arranged at the War Memorial on Trafalgar Day, and appreciation was expressed to Mrs E. C. Reynolds, who placed the anchor thereon, and to the members of the Terra Nova Sea Scouts who assisted at the function. During the year the following ships visited this port:—• H.M.A.S. Australia, H.M.S. Leander. H.M.S.. Leith, H.M.S Achilles, and H.M.S. Wakakura. Official calls were paid on behalf of the branch to all of the above. Entertainments were arranged! for the petty officers and men of H.M.A.S. Australia and H.M.S Leander. A very successful ball, held in honour of the captain and officers of H.M.S. Leander was well supported by members and friends. Letters had been received from the ships expressing appreciation of the hospitality offered by the Navy League. Visits to the ships were arranged for all junior members. The sub-branch at John M'Glashan College continued to function. In concluding, the committee felt that in view of the tremendous sacrifice which Great Britain was so willingly making towards the cost of defence, this Dominion should not, continue to expect so much from the Mother country and give so little.