THE IMPERIAL NAVY

Otago Witness, Issue 2988, 21 June 1911, Page 38

THE IMPERIAL NAVY

VALUE OF STANDARDISATION LONDON", June 14. Mr M'Kenma, speaking at Pontypool, said the naval arrangements made with the dominions were most satisfactory. If the overseas dominions developed fleets of their own an interchange of officers and men and common standards of training and discipline would enable the joint fleets to act in complete union in the event of war. The Imperial Conference had laid the foundations of a naval strength which would safeguard Imperial interests in every quarter of the globe. June 15. The Times says it is impossible to exaggerate the importance of Mr M'Kenna's speech at Pontypool. Uniformity in regard* to naval material is a great thing, but it is little when compared with a corresponding standardisation in training, discipline, and the general morale of the personnel. The Times recalls the fact that Lord Nelson after the battle of the Nile said: "I had the happiness to command a band of brothers." The danger that Australia and Canada will lose sight of this ideal will be averted if the policy announced by Mi- M'Kenma is steadfastly carried out. If the officers and men in the overseas fleets are encouraged to qualify for positions in the parent navy one of the worst evils arising from the development of the dominions' fleets will be nipped in the bud. June 16. Speaking at the fishmongers' banquet, Sir John" Forrest declared that he disliked the idea of separate fleets. He preferred one Empire fleet. They must take care that there should be no question about standing together when trouble arose. MELBOURNE, June 17. Mr Hughe?, the Acting Federal Prime Minister, agrees with the view expressed by Mr M'Kenna regarding Imperial uniformity in naval training.