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Ohinemuri Gazette, Issue 3941, 8 July 1918, Page 3

Reference to the position of New Zealand, in regard to action in the Pacific by any future enemy, was made by the Hon. G. W. Russell in addressing the gathering at the unveiling of the Linwood School roll of honour. New Zealand having taken Samoa, said the Minister, the question now was whether Great Britain was going to retain that island, or whether it was to be merely a pawn in the peace game. All he could say was that if the Mother Country thought that, after the sacrifices New Zealand had made as a nation, she would quietly submit to any such thing as a German naval base being established within three days' sail, then the Motherland did .not understand the people of New Zealand. (Applause.) If such a thing were to happen, New Zealand must make up her mind to spend anything from three to five millions a year for the purpose of maintaining their freedom. He had given up any idea of seeing men beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. They would have to do one thing only in future —and that was going to be his motto as a public man—"Be prepared." But they must make up their minds that, for the future, they must have their naval base in Queen Charlotte Sound. They must have their own air service, their submarines, and \their destroyers, all that was necessary for the protection of this gem of a country. It was their heritage of freedom, and they must hand it on as such. v.