NAVAL DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15650, 2 July 1914, Page 8

NAVAL DEFENCE.

SPEECH BY MR. A. M. MYERS.

LOCAL NAVY ADVOCATED.

"CRISIS IN OUR HISTORY.'

A NON-PARTY QUESTION.

[BY TELEGIItAPH. —SPECIAL

Wellington, Wednesday. TnE no-confidence debate this afternoon lacked interest until Mr. A. M, Myers (Auckland East) rose to give his views on the naval question. jjjit the outset. Mr. Myers paid a sincere and graceful compliment to the Hon. James Allen for (lie non-party attitude lie had always taken in matters of defence, ( even when lie vv-.i in opposition. • Mr. Myers went on to say that in view of the (act that the Home Government had not 'carried, out tho original agreement, they were now quite justified in reconsidering the whole situation. There wag justification for reviewing tho whole position in view of its serious importance. (Hear! hear! from the Government benches.)

Mr. Myers went on to speak of the importance of continuity of policy, awl added that in view of the restriction to be placed upon the Asiatic race, and New Zealand's present dependence for its .sai e upon a treaty with Japan, surely they were justified in considering what was the best line of policy to pursue in the future. He believed the Government was justified in putting on the Statute Book the Act it did last session. His only regret was that apparently there had been soino vacillation 011 the part of the Government. lie would, without any hesitation, stand alone with the Primo Minister to defend tho former statements, which now, apparently, ho hesitated to champion. The personnol contribution at the present time was the most valuable contribution New Zealand could offer. • -

He believed that. New Zealand would be on sound ground in providing the nucleus of a local navy, and he would heartily support it. They should have small flotillas here. Ho urged tho Government to have the courage of its convictions, and to stand firm by the policy enunciated in last year's Act. He would be pleased to stand on any platform with the Minister for Defence in support of those views- New Zealand had reached a crisis in its history, when it was of the utmost importance that everything possible should be don, to ensuro the strength and unity of the Empire? and this was only possible by the pursuance of a strong and vigorous defence policy.