FUTURE NAVAL POLICY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 28 August 1919, Page 5

FUTURE NAVAL POLICY

HOW THE DOMINION CAN HELP

(BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION ) WELLINGTON, Aug. 2?'. A deputation from the Navy League waited on Lord Jellicoe and asked him for his advice on its present work and as to further operations in the Dominion. In the course of his reply, Lord Jellicoe said he believed that the patriotic naval spirit, which was undoubtedly strong in the Dominion, was due largely to the efforts of the New Zealand League. The most important part of the League's work was educational, because what was taught in school was apt to create impressions of a lasting nature. On fhe other hand, it was little use realising the value of sea power unless it resulted in producing a power which was attained by the expenditure of pounds, shillings, and pence. He was informed that the New Zealand contribution per head was something like 6s Bd. If New Zealand was going to take her share m the defence of the Empire in the future in proportion to her population and trade, he hoped the Dominion would find itself able to contribute not less than 20s per head, which was likely to be the contribution asked of the population of the United Kingdom. "New Zealand's contribution can be one of two sorts," added Lord Jellicoe, "either in money or in kind. If in kind, I imagine the sentiment of New Zealanders would move them to maintain and man a unit to be termed the New Zealand unit of the Roval Navy. ' • .

In reply to a question, the Admiral f-fud he did not think it necessary for New Zealand to establish a naval college at present. He also mentioned that it was essential that the League should be entirly free from any suggestion of political bias.