NAVY AS LINK.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 256, 26 September 1933, Page 2

NAVY AS LINK.

DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA

WELLINGTON, Sspt. 26,

“I think that the relations between our two Dominions and the Mother Country in regard to naval matters are an example of Empire co-operation, whigh might well servo as a guide in any efforts to strengthen the link which binds together the peoples with common ideals constituting the British Commonwealth of Nations,” was an expression of opinion given by RearAdmiral R. C. Dalglish a.t a, luncheon tendered to him by the New Zealand Club yesterday afternoon. “1 feel it is unnecessary to remind you of the reason for the existence of the Navy and of its manifold duties, and that it is an insurance against emergency and the integrity of the Empire. So long as human nature is what it is, a nation must have some form of protection. I think, too, it is fair to say that, generally speaking, the personnel of the Navy possesses a wide outlook and considers the Empire as a whole, not merely thinking of the section in which it lives or serves. “Each nation of our Commonwealth of Nations is master of its own development and faith, not bound together by law, but by sentiment far more binding than law. and infinitely more capable of good results. Throughout our visit to New Zealand I have been struck with the extraordinary love and loyalty which is shown by ail the people I have met, for His Majesty, for the Royal Family, and for the British Isles—always spoken of as Home. That seems to me the very echo of patriotism. sentiment and imperialism.

“Ignorance and a lack of understanding,” said Rear-Admiral Dalglish, “a.re the only dangers in the path of perfect co-operation. One might, therefore, well repeat to-day the advice on British citizenship given by Mr Stanley Baldwin ; n his Empire Day speech a few years ago, 'Know Your Own Empire.’ And so our cruise in these waters lias provided a number of us with an opportunity of visiting New Zealand for the first time, a.nd has helped us to know New Zealand. In addition to meeting your own people, it has allowed my officers and men to meet the New Zealand Division at naval exercises, competitive games and in recreation. All are for our mutual benefit, and my officers and I are much impressed by the weapon efficiency and keenness of the New Zealand Division.”