DEFENCE POLICY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12282, 8 July 1914, Page 5

DEFENCE POLICY.

THE LINES OF CLEAVAGE. MR ISITT ON WASTE AND FOLLY. By Telegraph. (Special _io Oama.ru Mail.) * Wellington, July 7. The member for Christcliurcli North was very happy in his references to the Government's naval defence policy. It seemed to appeal to liis sense of humor, though lie did not fail to show indignation when' touching on tho serious aspects of the matter. Mr Isitt congratulated the Minister of Defence upon having staged a pretty piece of make-believe indignation with_ his critics, whom lie termed Little New Zealanders. All this bluster was_ simply a screen behind which the Minister of Defence and the Premier had abjectly climbed down. If tho Government aimed at sacrificing the economical develop-, ment of the country by wasting money which ought to bo spent upon backblocks .roads and railways and other works upon useless ships (because they were useless if they were not within the arena of the struggle), the Government was pursuing an unrighteous course, a- course which would not create a mere line of party cleavage, but one of cleavage between the privileged few and the toiling many.; —(''Hear, hear.")

THE TRAINING-SCHEME. There were two schemes, a wonderful independent navy and a training scheme to train 60 men at a cost of £oo,ooo, or £2500 per mail. Yet Mr Allen was the gentleman who accused the Liberals of being a scatter-cash Government. What was to happen to the men when they were . trained ? They were not necessarily to remain in New Zealand, as the Ministei: plainly said; they wercuit the Admiralty's disposal. A much more effective and economical way would be to utilise. the British navy for training and the Admiralty would be only too willing to help ill that way. He did not agree with tlioso who considered Japan a menace. Japan was financially on the rockfe. It- had enough to do with Korea, and there was the treaty with England and the position of Russia. No aggression was feared from China, but suppose a- crisis developed in Europe, the fate of the whole British Empire would he determined in those waters. Therefore if we were wise we should concentrate upon strengthening tho main unit. This was recognised by the Premier, who declared that immediately war was declared lie would cable Home placing the New Zealand ships at the disposal of the Admiraltv. The second-class cruiser and the Philomel would straightway start lor England to arrive in time to pick ni> the- pieces, or be picked up piecemeal". That was the policy of a great New Zealander. — (Opposition laughter.) The Government had no more chance of cajoling the people of New Zealand into this foolish navy .scheme than they had of flying, and the people of New Zealand owed their, salvation to the Liberal party. There were differences in the Cabinet . over the question, and lie knew of many members on the Government side who deprecated,, explained and apologised for it. saying it would never come to anything. "That is so," declared Mr Isitt, "we have taken good care of tlmt."