SEA POWER.

Northern Advocate, 28 August 1919, Page 5

SEA POWER.

"NEW ZEAIiAND UNIT."

BIGGER LEVY NECESSARY,

ADMIRAL'S INSPIRING REMARKS.

WELLINGTON, This Day.

A deputation from the Navy <League waited on Admiral Jellieoe and asked him for his advice on its present work and future operations in the Dominion.

In the course of hia reply Admiral Jellieoe said he believed that the patriotic naval spirit, wfoidh was undoubtedly strong in the Dominion, was due largely to the efforts of the New Zealand league. The most important part of the league's work was educational, because what was taught in the schools \vas apt tp create impression's of a. lasting nature. On tfhe pther hand it was little use realising the value of sea pqwer unless it resulted ip producing- that power, which could only be attained by the expenditure of pounds, shillings, and pence. He was informed that New Zealand's contribution per head was something , like 6s Bd. If New Zealand were going lo take a share in the defence of the Empire in future in proportion to Iher population and trade, he hoped that the Dominion would find itself able to contribute not leas thaa twenty shilling's per head, which was likely to be the contribution asked of ihe population of the United Kingdom.

"Tfhe New Zealand contribution can be one of two sorts," added Admiral Jellicoe, eitjier in money or jn.'kind. If in kind, I imagine that the- sentiment of New Zealand would move them to maintain and man a unit termed the 'New Zealand Unit of the Royal

Navy.' "

In reply to a question the Admiral said he did not think it necessary for New Zealand to establish a naval college at present,

He also mentioned that It was esBential for the league ti» be entirely free of any suggestion of political bias.—Press Assn.