IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22711, 25 October 1935, Page 13

IMPERIAL EX-SERVICEMEN

A NAVAL EVENING ADDRESS BY COMMODORE DRUMMOND. The feature of the monthly gathering of the Imperial Ex-servicemen’s Association, held in the Returned Soldiers’ Association’s building last night, was the short address given by Commodore E. R. Drummond, M.V.0., R.N., of H.M.S. Dunedin. The commodore, who was the guest of the evening, was accompanied by two of his officers. The president of the association (Mr L. G. Lilly) was chairman. On behalf of the association, the chairman extended a hearty welcome to Commodore Drummond and his officers. The association was honoured by having the commodore with them that evening. Commodore Drummond had consented to become a patron of the association, in succession to Rear-admiral BurgesWatson, who had left these shores. Commodore Drummond said it was very delightful to meet so many Imperial ex-servicemen. Referring to the navy, he said that it was generally known as the silent navy. This was a very good tradition, but nowadays the term “ silent ” did not apply to the extent it did in the old days. The army and Air Force were well known, whereas the navy, as it were, hid itself behind a smoke screen. But the taxpayer had commenced to ask questions, and the navy’s silence had to be broken down. Referring to the New Zealand Division of the navy, the commodore said that two D class cruisers were maintained on the station. These were just at the end of their term, and would shortly be superseded by two new cruisers of the Leander class. This class of ship, being larger than the Dunedin and Diomede, would be of great help in getting recruits, and it would not be long before these ships would be manned by a large percentage of New Zealand ratings. The present system of exchanging ratings between ships on the New Zealand station and those in Home waters was good, as it gave the men an opportunity of seeing the world. In referring to the present unsettled situation on the other side of the world, Commodore Drummond pointed out how important the British Navy was for Empire defence. New Zealand was the most patriotic of all the British dominions, and recognised the importance of keeping up the navy. Great developments were now in progress at the Auckland naval base in view of the coming of the two new Leander cruisers. New magazines were being built, and the Calliope dock would be enlarged to accommodate the new ships. This was quite a large commitment for New Zealand. The commodore briefly referred to the action of the Admiralty in strengthening the Mediterranean Fleet, which was necessary and which showed that Britain was keeping her promise to back up the League of Nations. Britain insisted in upholding the League at all costs, and New Zealand had supported Britain. No one wanted war. The last 15 years had shown that the world would not have peace unless there was force, backed up by treaties. The Air Force was important for defence, but there must also be a navy, as everything depended on the navy. The question had often been asked how could an invasion of New Zealand be prevented with only two cruisers for protection. Britain’s main fleet must be of sufficient strength to protect its dominions and its trade routes, and the only possible protection of those trade routes was provided by the navy. So long as the British Fleet remained intact. Now Zealand need not be afraid of invasion. In the event of an attack on the coastline by an enemy, however, they would have to depend to a large extent on the defence forces. Referring to the training of young men for the navy, Commodore Drummond had a good word for the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In the event of an attempted attack on these shores, the reserve ratings would bo placed on mine sweepers and merchant ships to protect the trade routes. It was very pleasing to know that New Zealand did realise the importance of the navy. It was only right that the two New Zealand cruisers should visit the various

ports, as such visits gave the people an opportunity to see what the navy stood for. In conclusion, Commodore Drummond referred to the importance attached to the periodical cruises made to the South Sea Islands. He also referred to the visit of the Dunedin to Honolulu, where the crew had every opportunity of mingling with the men from the American Navy. A very fine spirit was displayed between the men, and it was pleasing to know that the Americans were loyal to the British. Commodore Drummond concluded by wishing the Imperial Ex-servicemen’s Association every success. The chairman, on behalf of the association, thanked Commodore Drummond for his interesting address. Later in the evening the commodore chatted with members of the association, including some who had served in his Majesty’s ships. Songs were contributed by Mr Arthur Macdonald and Mr Leslie Dunbar, and Mr A. Watson played violin solos.