MORE DEFENCE URGED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19104, 27 August 1936, Page 15

MORE DEFENCE URGED

NEEDS OF DOMINION HELP FOR SHIPPING The need for stronger and more up-to-date defence measures in the Dominion, in view of the. present state of world affairs, was emphasised by Dr. C. J. Rolls, home director in Australia and New Zealand of the Sudan Interior .Mission, in an address to the Auckland Rotary Club. In 'stressing Hie dangerous implication of affairs in the Near East, Dr. Rolls said he was not a militarist, an alarmist, or a pessimist, but. it was gravely evident the peoples of the Near East, 'were preparing for war, and it was the duty of the people of New Zealand to ensure that they were prepared, as much as was in their power, to face the onslaught that was to come. During his visits to various parts oi the Dominion, the speaker had noticed that in the main centres the oil supplies were all above ground, presenting vulnerable objectives for a foreign, raider. With warships absent in the, Mediterranean. Australia and Now Zealand had been placed in a- sorry plight, from the aspect of defence. With the ominous trend' which had now occurred in European affairs, and the shadow of calamity which loomed over the Near East, war appeared inevitable, and. because of her reduction jin armaments. Britain could no longer dictate terms, avad 1 could not. act as an international policeman. Her own protection was a matter oi vital importance. . . . | Britain was now arming night aim day, and it was the duty of the Dominions to co-operate, Dr. Rolls added. Britain would be well advised to keep out of European alliances, and to ensure her own safety and that of he. Possessions overseas. When trouble began, shipping would be an import ant factor in the welfare of the Dominions, and. while shipping Merest* were, pelhaps, not getting much assistance at the moment, if would not be long Before steps would have to be taken in this direction.