FLEET AIR ARM WOULD BE COSTLY FOR N.Z. NAVY

Evening Star, Issue 26137, 26 June 1947, Page 9

FLEET AIR ARM WOULD BE COSTLY FOR N.Z. NAVY

IP.A.) s AUCKLAND, Jum> 25. A warning that, although ho Felt it. would be worth while to introduce a fleet air arm unit for the Royal New Zealand Navy, it would result in the present Navy vote of £1.200.000 having to be at least, doubled, was given by Captain CJ. R. V. L’ugh, naval officer in charge at Auckland, at the annual meeting of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Navy League tonight The mayor, Mr .J. A. C. Allum. remarked earlier in the meeting that he could not understand why the Royal New Zealand Navy seemed to have no aircraft. “They are just starting a fleet air arm in Australia at enormous expense,” added Captain Pugh. He noj>ed people talking for a fleet air arm in this country realised limy mheh there would he to pay. The minimum requirement of a fleet air arm would be an aircraft carrier. The extra cost would bo a large, amount for a small ■country to stand. If the Navy got the, money it would still have to get teehnicallv-trained men. At present there were 20 different categories ot men at Devonport naval base. Another 20 categories would be needed for fleet air arm work. . “ l would like to see it myself," continued Captain Pugh. “ Nothing is too difficult if it- is worthwhile, and I think it is worthwhile, .hut whoever handles it will have to have his eyes open.” He hoped it would be a long period of peace. The Navy could stand prolonged periods of peace, because it had organisations like the_ Navy League behind it. The league's work in suport of a strong Navy was perhaps more important in peace, than in war.