NAVAL DIVISION

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1929, Page 1

NAVAL DIVISION

DEFENCE .MINISTER’S STATEMENT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May, 25. ' The 'Minister for Defence, Hon 'J'. :u. W> 1 ford, referring to a statement published in the Auckland Stai the other day, don Ting : with naval policy, said Sir Joseph Ward hail summed the matter up when he said that no policy change was involved. It was true the Diomede would proceed to the .United Kingdom at the end ot this ■ybir, for a relit which would occupy the greater part of 1930, <"id the Dunedin would undergo a- similui iclit in 1931. The cifceiive strength of the cruisers in the New * Zealand division would thereby be reduced to one. I‘ai from any question ol bringing about a permanent decrease the Government had been in consultation with the Admiralty regarding the loan of a third cruiser to New Zealand on the same term.- as hitherto to keep *up the effective .strength on this station to two. This would have increased the Dominion's Naval expenditure • >.' soim lu:ml oil- of thousands of pounds during the next few years, and with the concurrence of the Admiralty it was'decided to accept a temporary reduction 0 [ naval strength in the interest of economy. Owing to the difficulty of absorbing the trainees in the one ship which would Ik- in commission it had In-on necessary ti> suspend recruiting lor a period of about one year, but after that it would be necessary lor increased activity to make up the loss of time. There was no intention of abandoning the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy, or of making unv alteration in 'the conditions of service or the substantive pay of any ratings serving in tin- division. The .Minister also gives figures refuting the .statements in regard in appropriations for the division, alleged slow promotion. and a decrease iu the number of active services N' " Zealand ratings.