DEFENCE OF DOMINION

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 180, 31 July 1920, Page 6

DEFENCE OF DOMINION

GIFT OF A LIGHT CRUISER

NAVAL VOTE OF £260,000.

The experience of the late war <says the Financial Statement) has demonstrated the vital importance, of cur sea communications and the imperative necessity of making adequate provision for their protection. The light cruiser Chatham lias been presented to tho Government, and will probably he ready to leave England about the end of October for New Zealand waters. To avoid unnecessary expense the ship will com-r-.-ission with a- reduced complement of 334, instead of the full compleT.ient of 429. She will cruise aromid the coast of. New Zealand, and will Tw available for duty in connection with Pacific Islands wider the jurisdiction of this Dominion.

New Zealand will be responsible for the pay of officers and men and the upkeep' of the rhip, the estimated yearly cost, including depreciation, Tbeinj; £200,000. The Philomel will be fitted out as a training ship for seamen and stokers, who, when trained, will relieve ratings lent by the Admiralty nnd complete the complement of the Chatham, later Ving sent for further training to England. A small administrative staff will also be»provided. It is estimated that an expendituTO of £260.000, including repairs to the Philomel, etc., will be required during the current financial year. The training of territorials and cadets has been maintained on the 7>re-war basis, except that annual have not boen held. The effic-ifTir-y of 1-he. Territorial Force hal * suffered Through lack of arms and cquioment, but dbis defect will be remedied in the near future.

Last session £25.000 was voted fo'1 aviation, but of this amount £5575 only was expended. A? it is considered that aviation should <leveloi> on civil rather than on purely military lines, an Advisory Air Board composed of representatives of all Departments concerned has been established.

The Defence Depart?nent lias hitJiorto been concerned only with the ndlninistration and training of the Territorial Force and cadets, but in view of the future defence of this country involving the employment of navil, air, and land forces, it has been decided to establish a Committee of Defence to advise on questions* of higher ■nolify and to co-ordinate the naval, land, and air. defence of the Dominion.

The expenditure, out of the Conpo?idated Fund for defence administration, including ordnance and supplies sorvic.e-§ and the ma.intena-n<:& r.nd training of the Territorial Force, dnrinsr the year was £502,465, or £26,260 less than the amount appropriated.