NAVAL DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22819, 28 August 1937, Page 16

NAVAL DEFENCE

DOMINION'S DUTY PAYMENT FOR WARSHIPS , NEW OFFICERS WELCOMED The hope that tlio time was not far distant when the Dominion would pay not only for the upkeep of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy, but also for the ships themselves, was expressed by Commander C. H. T. Palmer, R.N.V.11., president of the Auckland branch of the Navy League, at a reception tendered by the league last night to Captain J. W„ RivettCaruae and officers of H.M.S. Lcandcr. Other guests were Captain 1. G. Glennio, of H.M.S. Achilles, and Captain A. G. N. W.vatt of H.M.S. Endeavour, and their officers, and Commander C. B. Tinley, officer in charge of the Devon port Naval Base. "We should have done it long ago," Commander Palmer said. "It is our duty. I hope that in the plans the Primo Minister brings forward, some such provision will be made. "It is not the protection of New Zealand we are worrying about, but that of the trade routes. If they are protected by the Royal Navy, we do not have to worry much about the protection of Now Zealand. "Both ships are an acquisition hero, and we feel happier and safer with them," lie continued, referring to the presenco on the New Zealand station of H.M.S. Achilles and H.M.S Leander. He mentioned that the reaction in Australia to the new equipment in New Zealand waters was most gratifying. Australians were much happier about tho position in the Pacific, and felt that the Dominion and the Commonwealth were growing closer together, as they had to do from now onward. Recent progress made by tho Navy League was reviewed by Commander Palmer. He said tho membership in 'Auckland was rapidly approaching the 1000 mark, which was the immediate objective. A number of apologies for absence were mentioned by Commander Palmer. He referred to messages received from the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, and tho chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, the Hon. T. Bloodworth, M.L.C. On behalf of the officers of H.M.S. Leander, Captain Rivett-Carnac returned thanks for tho welcome. He said he and his officers had not been long in Auckland, but they had learned already what tho Navy League was doing for tho Navy, and for those in the Navy.