ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 18

ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE.

THE PROPOSED LOCAL UNIT. The proposed inauguration of a R.N.V.R. Division in Dunedin will be an adjunct to the city, which has always been appreciative of any naval movement, and has ever offered a hospitable welcome to visiting warships. Many years ago prior to the establishment of the Territorial Forces naval volunteer forces held favour, both in Port Chalmers and the city, and would probably be still in being, if the compulsory cadet and military training had not come to supplant them. It will now be possible for young men .again to come forward and offer their services in the new naval unit. Yachtsmen and persons with nautical inclinations will be given an opportunity that will qualify them in the higher possibilities of sea knowledge and in naval technicalities, with occasional short sea trips, to initiate them into a more practical conception of their seafaring utility. It is impossible at this moment to visualise the ultimate usefulness of the R.N.V.R, Division, but as a permanent force for local naval requirements it will take its proper place in the country’s national defence, and incidentally be a contribution to the Empire’s accepted forces for protection.

It is important, in the minds of our New Zealand naval authorities, that our main harbours, and indeed all ports, should be kept open for commercial traffic. This can be done by local minesweeping and mine-laying aided by aircraft.

Mine-sweeping maintains safe channels, and all mine-laying renders other parts of the entrance to harbours unsafe, both for the enemy and ourselves. Dailyswept channels will allow our shipping traffic to proceed on its legitimate calling and pursuits. In this respect the local naval units will render a serv’ce to the country, which the commercial and shipping interests, and all who have the right to work should be prepared to support in peace time, since they would become useful in an emergency.

Failing the evolution of such an arm for harbour defence, a somewhat lean time might bo our fate in the event of a crisis, the prevalence of unemployment being perhaps the least of our calamities. It must be obvious that this contribution to the naval forces is far from being ar. aggressive one, but merely for protection. Provided young men can show an honourable release from their militaiy obligations, they will be eligible for the R.N.V.R. Division. Preferably the age of 18 to 25 will be considered. Present military service can be substituted for this branch, and no further army service would be required.