THE NAVAL STATMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3112, 5 November 1913, Page 5

THE NAVAL STATMENT.

FORMER AGREEMENT SUPERSEDED. POSSIBLE BUILDING PROGRAMME. TRAINING SHIP FOR THE DOMINION. (From Odb Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 28. The Prime Minister (the Hon. Air Maf»ey) this afternoon laid the naval policy of the Government before the House in tne form of a statement. In doing so he expressed regret that the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen) was unable to be present on account of illness. Mr Allen had, however, expressed the wish that that factor should not delay the production of the statement, and accordingly that would bo presented. Air Allen would shortly be back in the House, and would, of course, take charge of the legislation that would he produced in connection with the matter. The statement, as read by Mr Alassey, reviewed the position in the past up to the time the Hon. Mr Allen took charge. The report gees on to say : AIR ALLEN’S MISSION.

“The Defence Alinistcr was commissioned by the Government to interview the Imperial authorities on the subject, and to endeavour to bring about a more satisfactory state of affairs, so far as New Zealand naval defence was concerned. Interviews were granted readily and willingly, and the utmost courtesy was extended to the Defence Alinister by the Prime Minister (Mr Asquith), by the First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr Churchill), and hy every one with whom he came \in contact. Up to the time of the Defence Alinister’s visit little or nothing had been done by the Admiralty to give effect to its part of the 1909 agreement, and an intimation 'yas given to him by the Imperial authorities that the position had changed so materially that it' was not considered advisable _to carry out the agreement, or to send to New Zealand the ships referred to in the correspondence between Air M’Kenna and Sir Joseph Ward, quoted above. As a result of the consultation between the Admiralty and the Defence Alinistcr it was arranged that New Zealand "should train her own personnel, and that for this purpose the Admiralty should lend to New Zealand a sea-going training ship and the necessary complement of officers and men, this ship and its complement to be under the administration of the New Zealand Government, but to be at the disposal of the Admiralty when required.

UNSUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS. *■ It was further arranged that, for Imperial purposes in the Pacific,, and to assist in the protection of commerce, the Admiralty should station in New Zealand waters two light cruisers which had constituted part of the Australasian scjuadion. On his return to New Zealand the Defence Minister submitted the arrangements for the consideration of his colleagues, witn an additional proposal that New Zealand should at an early date provide a cruiser of the Melbourne type, now forming part of the Australian unit, this type of ship having been recommended by the Admiralty as most suitable for the protection of commerce. The Government, after due consideration, came to the conclusion that the proposal for two light cruisers was too great a departure from the ISO 9 agreement, and approached the Admiralty, ashing that tvo cruisers of the Bristol type should be substituted for the two light cruisers, in which case the Government would ask to provide an additional Lo » thus making the £IOO,OOO now ,PJ9” vided up to £l5(h000 per annum. oiler has not been accepted, and thetollowing extract from a telegram dated October 2 from the Secretary of State will, I thing,' explain itself: —* It was confluently anticipated in 1909 that the stationing o the Bristols in New Zealand waters could be arranged without interference with the general strategic disposition of naval strength necessary in the interests of the Empire as a whole. The available Bristols are required* elsewhere. In particular two have been sent temporarily to the East India and Chinese stations respectively. At present they would be superfluous in New Zealand waters, as there arc no possible enemy ships of equal speed to be dealt with there.’

SOUTH PACIFIC PROBLEM. “1 have nc doubt that the Imperial authorities are in their judgment doing the best possible in the interests • of tlio . Empire as a whole, but the New Zealand Govermnent th;nkb couimciiceincnt should bo made to improve the naval position in the South Pacific, and if no satisfactory arrangement is arrived at before next session Parliament will be asked to agree to the building in Britain of one fast modern cruiser, probably of the Bristol type, costing about £400,000, to be used in the event of necessity requiring it for the protection of our trade routes. This type of ship costs £400,000, and is described by Mr Jane as follows: —Length 430 ft, beam 47ft, mean draft Isift, length overall 453 f t; guns —two 6;n ten 4in; displacement, 4800 tons; complement. 376 ; designed horse-power, 22,000 ; speed. 25 knots. It appears quite'certain that we are on the eve of great changes in the Pacific, and it is well that we should commence to shoulder our responsi bill ties and look to the future both of the Empire and of our growing dominion. It is proposed that this ship, or any ship that New Zealand may acquire, shall be under the administration of New Zealand in peace time, but shall automatically jiass under the dircccontrol of the Admiralty immediately on the outbreak of hostilities, or shall be available for Admiralty purposes on any other occasion when urgently required. IMMEDIATE STEPS. “ In the meantime H.M.S. Philomel will bo taken over by the Now Zealand Government and a commencement will be made with the work of training our own men. In this connection, the Government docs not anticipate any difficulty in securing as many recruits as it requires. The native born New Zealander of both races takes kindly to a seafaring life, and arrangements should be made for a proportion of the Native race to be trained as seamen. An opportunity will be given to New Zealanders now serving in fh c Royal navy to form part of the crew of the seagoing training ship lent by the Admiralty to New Zealand. The following information regarding the Philomel will be of interest: —Length, 265 ft;

beam, 41ft; maximum draught, 18jfl; guns —eight 4.7 in, eight 3-pounders, four Nordenfeldts, x>ne 7-pounder; displacement, 2575 tons; complement, 219; designed horsepower, 4000; speed, 16.5 knots; bunt in <IB9O. TRAINING OFFICERS-

“ The Admiralty has agreed to continue the present arrangement by which two naval cadetships for the Osborne and Dartmouth course will be annually at the disposal of New Zealand on the nomination of his Excellency the Governor under the regulation hitherto in force. The Admiralty will also be glad to consider applications on behalf of New Zealand for special entry under the regulations governing this mode of entry. The ordinary channel of entry and draining for naval cadets will be through the Royal Australian Naval College, subject to the New 7 Zealand Government making the necessary arrangements with the Commonwealth. The Admiralty has intimated. that, as present advised, this training will be regarded as equivalent to the training at Osborne and Dartmouth. Until the future requirements for officers can be more accurately estimated, it is suggested that the maximum number of cadets entered yearly should be eight—two at Osborne or* Dartmouth, and six at the Australian College. The special entry cadets would be m addition to these. TRAINING OF MEN. “ For the men there will bo two methods of entry to the New Zealand naval force — (1) As -boys between the ages of 14A and 16 to serve no to the age of 13, and for seven yeax - s afterwards; (2) as youths and men between the ages of 17 and 25, to serve for seven years. In each- case the engagement will include liability to serve in any ships of the Royal navy. The method of training the lads is hot yet decided on, ;t being thought best to await the' advice of the officers to bo appointed to command the training ship and advise New Zealand. “The training of the youths and men is to bo in the New Zealand sea-going training ship, and in such other ships of the Royal navy as may be stationed in Now Zealand waters and detailed for that purpose. After completing their, training, men belonging to the New Zealand naval force will be available for serving in any ships that may in future be maintained by the Now Zealand Government, or in the ships of the Royal navy. Facilities will be provided for 'men beldhging to the New Zealand naval force to transfer to the Royal navy At any stage during or at the conclusion of their service. LEGISLATION PROPOSED.

“ Legislation will be introduced to enable the New Zealand Government to establish a naval force of officers and men, for service either in any ships that may in the future bo maintained by the Now Zealand Government, or in the ships of the Royal navy, and for the application of the Naval Discipline Acte and the Admiralty instructions to this force, and, further, to reconstitute the New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve.

“ It is proposed that the officer in com piand of the seagoing training cruiser lent to the New Zealand Government shall be senior officer of the New Zealand naval force and adviser of, the New Zealand Government (through the Minister, who may he placed in charge of naval defence) on ail matters affecting the organisation of tha New Zealand naval force. A career for officers and men belonging to the New Zealand naval force will be available in ships that may in the future be maintained by the New Zealand Government or in the ships of the royal navy. The manning of shins in Now Zealand waters will he regarded as the primary object. “The New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve will be reconstituted so ns to consist in future of men who have served in the New Zealand naval force and who volunteer on discharge to join the reserve, and of men who have served in the royal navy, many of whom now live in New Zealand. DOCKYARD ACCOM.M( ID ATT OX

“ Provsion will Ik- made by the New Zealand Government in the way of suitable ecoonuni.vjai .on a Auckland for a naval depot for the joint use of the ships of the royal navy and the New Zealand naval force, the establishment for the time being to be maintained by and under the control of the Admiralty. Repairs and supplies for the New Zealand force will be charged for on repayment basis. “The scale of pay of officers of the royal navy lent to New Zealand shall be the same scale of pay as in the royal navy, unless a separate New Zealand service is established. “ Men lent from the royal navy to the New Zealand naval force will receive New Zealand rates of nay.

The rates of pay. etc., in the New Zealand ship or ships will be the same as those fixed in the royal Australian force. “This scale will apply to men belonging to the New Zealand naval force serving in ships of the royal navy in Now Zealand waters. Service in the royal navy beyond New Zealand waters will be considered as ‘ foreign service,’ and will be paid at royal navy rates only, the balance between such rates and those fixed for the New Zealand force being allowed to accumulate. FINANCE. “In addition to the annual payment ot about £140,000 to meet the Sinking Fund and other interest charges on account of the cost of the battle cruiser New Zealand (the (Sinking Fund will be sufficient to redeem the loan money raised for this purpose in fifteen years from date—i.e., about the | year 1928) an annual appropriation is proposed for the present time of £IOO,OOO (being the amount of the present naval subsidy), to be used for the purposes of paying—

“(a) The maintenance of the training ship lent to New Zealand as from the time of her transfer, including the cost of any stores supplied after transfer, “ (b) The cost of all officers and men lent to New Zealand, including the usual contribution towards returned pay and pensions. and the cost of passages. “ (c) The cost, inclusive of all personnel charges,—e.g.. victualling, clothing, medical issue's, etc., of all men belonging to the Now Zealand naval force, whether serving in ships belonging to the New Zealand Government or the Royal Navy, > and also'the cost of the freight of men sent for service elsewhere in the Royal navy.

“ (d) The cost of training New Zealanders for officers for the Koyfil navy or the New Zealand naval force, if trained at the Royal Australian Naval College, but no contribution to bo paid by New Zealand if the officers arc trained in England.

“ (e) The cost of the New Zealand Royal Naval Reserve.

The balance remaining will bp naid to the Admiralty.

POSITION SUMMARISED. ‘‘lt will probably in the future be more and more difficult for the Mother Country to obtain the requisite numbers to satisfy the increasing demand for officers and men. Consequently it would seem that the greatest service New Zealand can render just at present to Imperial defence is to commence the training of personnel for the navy. “ With regard to the acquiring of ships by New Zealand in the future it has been pointed out to the Admiralty “ (a) That the’ groat demand for money for development work and the difficulty of our finance in 1914 would probably prevent our doing anything till 1915. “ (b) That any ships built by New Zealand or acquired would bo at the call of the Admiralty whenever war took place or if war were imminent. “ (c) That in such case New Zeaand recognises the absolute necessity for one control, and that this control must for the time being rest with he British Government. . WHAT OF THE FUTURE? “ In placing its opinions on the subject of naval defence before the House the Government is not thinking only of the present, or even of the immediate future, but of what may happen in the years to come, and the necessity of making preparations therefore. The British dominions in the Pacific should aim at nothing less than British naval supremacy for this hemisphere. It may take many years to bring it about, but more difficult tasks have been accomplished by people of the British race. The co-opera-tion of the Imperial authorities with Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the encouragement of the aspirations of these young countries bv consulting them, when possible, with regard to Imperial defence matters, the pride of possession, the traditions of the past, are all factors wh’ch make for unity, strength, and nationhood, and which will in time give us -the same position in the way of naval supremacy in these seas that is held by our kinsmen on the other side of the world.”

Sir J. G. Ward stated in connection with the proposed system of training ships that he had been informed that that system was not the best.

Mr Russell sought information concerning the financial operations of the proposals when they were brought into being. The Prime Minister replied that so far as , finance was concerned there wero no greater obligations than existed now. The Imperial Government thoroughly approved of the training scheme. The Hon. Mr Allen would place no difficulties in the way of a full discussion on the proposals. Sir J. G. Ward asked if the Prime Minister could inform .the House why the Imperial Government-had departed from the arrangement to send out two Bristol cruisers and two submarines.

The Hon. Mr Massey replied that there would be no increase on the £IOO,OOO on account of the tra-ining system. The sum of £50,000 annually would provide for a new ship and cover the cost of maintenance and sinking fund. Bristols -could not be sent out as provided under the 1909 agreement owing to the Imperial authorities desiring a different disposition of the fleet for general Empire defence purposes. The Pyramus and Psyche would bo stationed in New Zealand waters, and would be Government training ships, though he did not by any means suggest that those ships could be looked upon as fighting ships. Sir J. G. Ward said he hoped the Government would let'the Imperial authorities know that New Zealand was not satisfied to have the two cruisers named as indicative of fighting ships of the British navy. Mr Massey: “Hear, hear; that is just the point.” He went on' to say that that question was one which had hung the matter up so long and had led to all the correspondence. They were not satisfied with that arrangement. The paper was laid, on the table.

LOCAL NAVY POLICY. (From Our Ovvk Correspondent.) WELLINGTON. October 28. Sir Joseph Ward, on being asked this evening whether ho would express any views on the-subject of the naval jfolicy. said he would prefer to defer his remarks until the proposal came before the Mouse for discussion. He remarked, significantly, however, “ It is a local navy policy.” “.THE RIGHT LIfSEg.” (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 29. Although somewhat overshadowed by the sensationalism of the wharf strike in .icllington, a good deal of attention is concentrated on the naval policy produced by the Government. The Dominion this morning says that the proposals take "the right lines.” “The naval policy outlined by the Prime Minister (Mr Massey) in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon,” it says, “ may be taken as the first instalment of a consistent scheme, which will be capable oi development and expansion from time to time, in accordance with the resources oi the dominion and the needs of the Empire. The Opposition journal, the New Zealand Times, enters upon straight out ridicule of the scheme. “ Now we can understand,” it says, “the hesitation of the Government to disclose the naval policy of the Hon. James Allen to the country until there had been exhaustive and prolonged correspondence with the Admiralty. The Evening Post says:—lt has boon a long time coming, but it is well worth having now that we have got it. GENERAL APPROVAL EXPRESSED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 29. While there are perhaps come aspects of the proposals which wiM produce tull discussion in the House with expressions of disagreement from the plan proposed, there is a very strong body of opinion which heartily approves of and supports the policy outlined. One of those most keenly interested in the statement made by the Prime Minister is Mr Malcolm,' who has devoted a great deal of time to the study of Empire questions, and who occupies the position of secretary for the New Zealand ■ branch of the Empire Parliamentary Union. ■ When interviewed on the subject, Mr Malcolm said ho was very pleased with the statement, as he considered it a very busi-ness-like and moderate one. He was satislied that the proposals for the training of our own seanujn would be of the greatest advantage tp New Zealand and the Empire. “ I am delighted,” ho continued, “ that the idea of forming a local unit has not been lost sight of. It is true that the proposal is a most modest one, but it embodies

the essential idea. The statement makes it quite evident that agreements entered into with the Imperial Government on the basis of a New Zealand contribution in money are so much waste paper, as the absolute control of the ships constructed leads the Imperial Government very naturally to consider its own needs only. In this country, while we recognise that those needs must be met, wo also recognise the necessity for a policy that shall bo national from the New Zealand point of view. To build one cruiser of the Bristol type may seem a beginning not worth making, but the game argument would prevent all beginnings from made.” GRATIFICATION IN AUSTRALIA. * SYDNEY, October 29. The Herald says that Mr Massey’s statement will be received with gratification in Australia, firstly, because it marks a further determination on the part of New Zeland to pursue her patriotic endeavour to make an effective contribution to the defence needs of the Empire; and secondly, because in two important respects it records ap approximation to the naval policy of the Commonwealth. COMMENT FROM LONDON. LONDON, October 29.

The Daily Telegraph applauds, New Zealand’s courage and enterprise, but deplores on the highest ground that the revenue and men which could be more profitably applied to internal development should be thus diverted. It blames the Imperial Government’s laissez faire policy for New Zealand’s plunge into the vortex of armaments, and says that neither Australia nor New Zealand cam afford the, luxuries of navies in view of the immense liabilities to meet the development of their territories. Both are under the shadow of a irfighty fleet giving security against any possible enemy. They may spend to the uttermost, and yet do little to get relatively more security for the .Pacific and do nothing' to cement the strength of the Empire or assist the Motherland to bear her burdens. Small navies »are always costly and are usually inefficient. The - Morning Post says:—“ England cannot quarrel with the Antipodes for launching themselves on the Pacific, especially as we have failed to keep our pledge to patrol their coasts. The new policy is the right one for the Antipodean dominions, teaching the realities of life and giving strength and self-reliance.” The Times says: —“New Zealand’s past record is an. earnest of the spirit in which she addresses herself to her new work. While the creation of local flotillas cannot completely provide naval, security, it must be an essential part of an adequate system of naval defence.’”

DISCISSION IN CANADA. OTTAWA, October 29. The Liberal press acclaim New Zealand’s naval policy, declaring that an opportunity is now given to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to combine in regard to the defence of the Pacific. Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s policy of two Canadian fleets —one ir. the Atlantic and the other in the Pacific —would enable Canada to unite with ■ the Mother Country and defend the Atlantic, and ako unite with Australia and New Zealand and defend the Pacific. Mr Massey’s abandonment of Subsidies to the Royal Navy is taken as an indication that Canada ought never to begin such a system. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, in an electioneering speech, declared that the Border, naval policy was conceived in iniquity and mendacity, and had ended in discomfort. Canada was becoming a nation, and the" people ought to be prepared t« realise that England was of necessity defending the Canadians. STATEMENT BY THE HON. , MR MACKENZIE. LONDON, October 29. In the course of an interview regarding New Zealand’s Naval Statement, the Hon. T. Mackenzie declared that New Zealand’s policy would have the effect of impressing the Imperial authorities with the necessity of meeting with the widely-felt wishes of Britons overseas for a more effective vote in Imperial affairs. Representation on the Imperial Defence Committed was not a final solution, but-it was a step forward Mr Mackenzie stated that on more than one occasion the overseas High Commissioners had failed to obtain admission to the strangers’ gallery in the House of Commons on the occasion of important debates. He argues that the overseas official representatives should at least have as good a position at foreign ambassadors. APPROVAL BY THE TIMES. ' LONDON, October 29. The Times welcomes the suggestion o* a New Zealand Navy as stimulating her people to give of their own brains and sinews in maintaining intact the supremacy of the Empire on the seas. SIR WILFRID LAURIER’S VIEWS. OTTAWA, October 29. Sir "Wilfrid Laurier, in a speech, said the present Canadian administri 'ion we. the lowest and most retrograde sinfce .he days of the family compact. He denied that Germany was building a navy for the purpose of attacking England. Germany had built up a great sea commerce, and was bound to have a great navy to defend it.