BRITISH NAVY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 174, 24 June 1926, Page 8

BRITISH NAVY

SECOND EDITION

NEW ZEALAND’S CONTRIBUTION. INCREASES ADVOCATED. Per Press Association. WELLINGTOxY, June 24. The remits passed by tho Navy League at its anunal conference wero submitted to Mr Coates and the Defence Minister. In introducing the deputation Mr Girling said they desired to impress on the Government the need for greater expenditure on naval defence. Mr Dougall (Christclnirch) said they were pleased to note from the Gover-nor-General’s speech that greater provision was to bo made, for tho navy. The league desired that either the Dominion’s contribution be increased to 25s per capita, equal to that of Britain, or that tho scheme proposed by Earl Jellicoo be given serious consideration. It would mean the expenditure of 12s per head. Mr Darroch (Wellington) spoke of tho need for an adequate air force. He suggested that the navy should have an equal opportunity with the army of formulating a policy of air development. In replying, Mr Rolleston pointed out that Now Zealand had provided a second cruiser, and that another £IOO,OOO was being provided for 192627. If we went in for a third cruiser, which was a matter under consideration, it would mean an additional £225,000 in the naval vote, and- our naval contribution would be raised to the amount suggested by Earl Jellicoe. The Naval Board would have to report, but the third cruiser could not be stationed in Now Zealand for another two years, as the Admiralty would liavo to make fresh cruiser dispositions. It was intended to establish; naval reserves in the four chief cities. Although it was hoped ultimately to institute a sea cadet force, it was not thought that tho time was quite ripe yet: but the matter would not be lost sight of. Neither tiro Defence Department nor the Naval Board thought New Zealand should exercise any functions as regards the air force, it being considered wiser to retain control by the army, for tho present. Mr Coates said the question of a third cruiser would bo discussed by him at the Imperial Conference. Before launching into further expenditure they wanted to ensure that the money was being wisely spent. Earl Jellicoe’s policy would be completed as soon as possible. He agreed that it was hard to say that New Zealand spent enough on the Navy, but we must make perfectly sure that the defence money was spent on. the most modern forms. Regarding the air force policy, he believed it would bo unwise to have divided control at the present stage. The Government was considering the advisability of adopting new machines, but whatever typo was decided on must depend on the experience of the British Government. New Zealand would have to co-operate in any move for disarmament, but for tho present tho Government agreed with the aims and objects of the Navy League.