COST OF THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18090, 15 May 1922, Page 6

COST OF THE NAVY.

NEW ZEALAND'S SHARE.

CONTRIBUTION BEING MADE.

REPLY TO LORD LEE.

[JIY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] "WELLINGTON. Saturday. Interviewed regarding tho cabled statement of Lord Lee of iareham concerning the allocation of the cost of t?ie Imperial Navy, the Prime Minister referred to a speech which he made in Parliament on bis return from, tho Empire Conference. He said ho had quoted a resolution of tho conference supporting Empire co-operation in providing for naval defence, and affirming the method and expense of such corporation were matters for tho determination of the several Parliaments concerned, and that any recommendations theioon should be deferred until after the coming confcrence on disarmament. Mr. Massey, at the eamo time, stated' emphatically that New Zealand would do her duty. Referring to the matter to-day, the Prime Minister said tihat his words still held good. As he had stated in Parliament, the apportionment of tho cost would probably be a matter for consideration at tho first Empire Council following the Washington Conference, but any arrangement made then would bo subject t*> ratification by the Parliaments of the Empire. "In the meantime," he eaid, "New Zealand continues to make a contribution in the maintenance of H.M.S. Chatham and tho smaller vessels, and she ia still paying off the capital cost of H.M.S. New Zealand and will be for some years to come." Lecturing on the results of ttie Washington Conference, Lord Leo of Fareh&m said ho regretted the attitude of the Dominions toward naval defence. He recalled iihe fact, that at the last Imperial Conference the Dominions agreed that the maintenance of the Navy was the common concern of the Empsro and therefore the burden should be sliarcd in proportions which should be settied after the Washington Conference. So far the Dominions had not assisted Britain to bear the crushing burden, with the result that it was the British taxpayer alone that was footing the bill for the maintenance of the Navy and the defence of the commerce, trade and liberties of the Empire, including tihe Dominions. Britain wa« staggering along, hoping that the Dominions would open their hearts and pockets before it was too late.