The Navy League.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8149, 24 November 1905, Page 2

The Navy League.

A Local Branch Formed.

The meeting called by his Worship the Mayor yesterday afternoon for the purpose of forming a branch of the Navy League in the town was not particularly well, attended, the hour of meeting proving rather inconvenient to business people. There were present:—Messrs Barraud, Goldinghain, Pi rani, K. Wilson, Watson, Fairbrother, Jickell, Captain Hewitt and Rev. C. 0. Harper. In the absence of Mr Cohen, who was indisposed, the chair wa3 taken by Mr E. N. Barraud. He briefly introduced Mr Palmer, the organising secretary of the Wellington branch of the Navy League, who was present for the purpeso of explaining the aims and working of the organisation.

Mr Palmer, in the course of his romarks, mentioned that the Navy League was formed ten years a^o by a number of patriotically disposed men'who recognised that the force of public opinion was necessary to keep the Admiralty authorities up to the mark. Ho mentioned that in times of peace it had been found that naval requirements were not properly attended to. There had also been a series of war scares from time to time but since the League had been in existence they had been ayoided. It was not in existence, however, only to draw at ention to shortcomings in the naval administration, but for the purpose of strengthening that administration. It was not jingoistic by any means, bub recognised that a strong and efficient navy was the best guarantee of the preservation of peace. Some people, continued Mr Palmer, entirely misunderstood the objects of the .League. They thought the members were jingoes but tbis was altogether wrong. He urged that a progressive naval policy was urgently required, and quoted the opinions of distinguished men to show that the League was now a power in the land in this respect. He mentioned that since the League was established much more publicity was given to many matters which previously were rather secret. Several points that the organisation had been able to draw public attention to were referred to, the largo proportion of foreigners in the mercantile marine, and the question of permitting aliens to hold pilots' certificates, being among tue number. The work of the League among the rising generation was then spoken of, Mr Palnier statiag that it was recognised that we must look to the young people to keep the Empire going. They had made a great point in "Wellington of forming school branches. He stated that the League was ready to convey boys from this district down to Wellington to visit the warships in port, as °a means of rousing their interest. Last year several thousand boys had been taken on these visits and much good had been done. The fact that the League holds meetings, lantern entertainments, etc., was also pointed out. It was stated that one of the main aims wa3 to show the young people their responsibility as British citizens, and to show them that their heritage of sea-power was not gained by accident, but as the result of great effort, and could only be retained by a continuance .of the same. The League had done its best to combat any feeling of apathy on these matters. In conclusion, Mr Palmer mentioned that numerous prominent men were to be found in the ranks of the Navy League. Captain Hewitt spoke against the idea of jingoism that had been launched against them in a certain quarter. He said that the spirit of the British Navy was not jingoistic at all. He thought that it was just as well that when the young people grew up they should be told what their ancestors had dono before them. There was no jingoism about that. He thought the League was a fina thing, for it gave the young people of the country some idea of the navy and what it had done. He heartily supported the movement.

In reply to a query MV Palmer said that it took eight members to start a branch. They would then have to apply for incorporation with the main body. . • •

Mr Goldingham then moved that a branch of the Navy League be formed in Palmerston.

Mr Pirani said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion. He was o£ opinion that with very little effort they would be able to get a couple of hundred members here. He recoguised the advantages to be gained by the movement and was sure that the people of Palmerston would be only too glad to take the matter up heartily and carry it to a successful issue.

Mr Palmer then suggested that those present should form themselves into a canvassing committee. It had to be decided also whether they would join Wellington as a sub-brauch, or form one of their own.

The chairman was confident that if an independent branch was formed they could carry it on successfully. Some discussion then ensued as to officers, etc., during which Mr Pirani intimated his willingness to act as secretary as soon as he was free, if they desired him to. Captain Hewitt said he would be willing to take it up for the time being. Mr Goldinghatn's motion was put and carried unanimously. * On the motion of Messrs Pirani and Jickell, it was decided that the ordinary subscription be 10s 6d per year, the associate members' subscriptions to be 5s yearly. It was also decided to appoint Captain Hewitt secretary pro tern on the understanding that Mr Pirani should relieve him in a fortnight's time. The appointment of a committee was deferred until a meeting that was fixed for Monday evening, December 11th. Mr Palmer intimated that he would leave a quantity of the League's literature with Captain Hewitt for distribution.

On Mr Pirani's motion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Palmer for the trouble he had pone to over the matter, and also to the chairman for presiding. The meeting then adjourned.