NAVY LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10033, 21 January 1896, Page 6

NAVY LEAGUE.

FORMATION. OP AN AUCKLAND ■ BRANCH.- ' A public meeting convened in response to a circular received from England to promote a Navy League in New Zealand, was held in the Harbour Board offices yesterday. The meeting was called by the Chairman of the Harbour Board (Mr. M. Niccol), and there was a large representative attendance. Amongsb those present) were Messrs. G. Dacre, J. H. Harrison, Green, Bell, D. Gouk, J. M. MoLachlan, W. J. Napier, R. S. Briggs, H. Parker, Caleb Wood, W. Jennings, M.L.C., Dr. Walker, J. F. Clarke, G. 3. Budge, J. M. Shera, 1). B. McDonald, R. Farrell, W. Crowther, M.H.R., R. Younghusband, LieutenantColonel Dowell, Major Banks, Captain Herrold, Messrs. G. Aickin, Bull, and others.

The Chairman explained the object of the meeting, and tho basis of the League which ib was proposed to form. After a reference to the position of the British nation and its adequacy to compete with a combination of the other navies, he said he did not think the British navy was what ib should be. Efforts, however, had been made to improve the condition of the navy, and thab was the main objecb of the presenb League. The Chairman then explained the mode of procedure, Eighb or more could sign a requisition asking to be formed into a branch, and thab would entitle them when accepted to all the pamphlets, etc. He stated that Mr. J. M. Brigham had volunteered to take the office of hon. sec. temporarily, and in explanation of the contributing scale, he said that 25 per cent, was sent to the parent society in England, and 75 por cent, was reserved for bhoir own requirements. The Chairman then read an apology from His Worship the Mayor of Auckland, who was unavoidably detained at another meeting. Mr. Farrell moved, "That they form a branch of the Navy League in Auckland." Such an organisation must result.in good, as being the means of cementing the unity of the nation. With regard to foreigners, while he was willing to accepb them as citizens or colonists, he would nob like to accept them as rulers, and ib was in such movements as these which had recently occurred, thab creeds were dipped and patriotism was maintained. ' He spoke strongly on the principle of self-reliance, and regretted thab the Premier of New Zealand had nob senb Home from New Zealand those sentiments which had been expressed by the Australian colonies. Mr. W. J. Napier seconded the motion. Ho read a reprint from a Johannesburg paper, showing the position of affairs in the Transvaal, and said that one of the results of tho movement now proposed would be to direcb the minds of the young to the importance of politics. Ho referred to the position of the Calliope Dock, without maohinery or appliances, bub said thab if this league was formed they would be able to bring pressure to boar, and have the dock equipped so as to meet the requirements of the station.

Mr. J. A. Campbell made a strong speech in support of the motion. Mr. C. Wood expressed the opinion that the colonios were prepared to share in the expense for the supporb of the Navy. The Chairman pointed oub thab the motion now before the meeting was that a branch of the Navy League be formed in Auckland.

The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Dargavillk commented on the- fact that) New Zealand had not hud the opportunity of joining with the Australian colonies in commending the Premier of England for his action in regard to the disputes in Venezuela and Transvaal. It appeared to him that the expression of opinion from the north to the south of New Zealand was in favour of the action taken by Lord Salisbury, and unless the chairman moved him out of ordor, he would move the following rosolution, "That in the opinion of this public meeting of Now Zealand coloniibt, the recent statesmanlike and patriotic action of Lord Salisbury in regard to Vonezuela, and also in the Transvaal, has been such as to intensify our feelings of loyalty to the Throne, and to make us feel proud of being subjects of the great British Empire." Mr. Dargavillk said if the motion was carried he would move that the Premier be asked to forward it to Lord Salisbury, Mr. Bull, in seconding the motion, said that he was not actuated by or encouraging any spirit of jingoism, bub he wanted the Imperial connection maintained. Mr. Napier supported the motion. Mr. Jennings, M.L.C., said it was in no spirit of jingoism, but as an old colonist, that he supported the motion. He referred to the assistance ?iven to New Zealand by the navy of England in its early struggles, and alluding to the present position of European affairs, he said he, as a colonist, was pleased to support the motion proposed by Mr. Dargaville. He pointed out, also, that one effaeb of the establishment of the league might be that they might get a better status for their boys in the mercantile community. Mr. MoLachlan urged that the resolution should be altered and made to read, "the British Government" instead of ■'Lord Salisbury," bub it was pointed out to the mover that Lord Salisbury was the head of the Government— Mr. Crowthkr: "And of the world!" (Cheers.) Mr. Dargaville objected bo any finnicking with the resolution, and said he had followed the wording of Mr. Raid's telegram. The Chairman, in putting the resolution, said he was glad that Mr. Dargaville had given them the opportunity of speaking to this resolution. Lord Salisbury was the head of the Government, and the situation had given him a position to show whon and where England would Btandoutforherrights, He was greatly pleased to see the stand Lord Salisbury had taken in regard to the American dispute, although vejy little feeling was manifested in regard to this dispute in the colony, but when the German Emperor interfered in the Transvaal dispute every colonisb felb pride and emotion as to the stand the Premier of England had taken, As to how the message was to be transmitted, he (the Chairman) could nob say, bub he hoped if) would be carried unanimously. Mr. T. Henderson said that enquiries had been made as to what vessels of the local marine would be available for naval service, and he thought ib should be part of the business of the League to be able to man those vessels when required. The motion was then pub and carried unanimously. i On the motion of Mr. Farrell, Mr. J. M. Brigham was appointed secretary pro torn, to take the names of those willing to join the League. On the motion of Mr. Dargaville, it was agreed that the Premier be asked to transmit the resolution to the Premier of England.

Votes of thanks were accorded to the Chairman and to tho editors of tlw Herald and Star newspapers, ' '