The Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1913. THE NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Southland Times, Issue 17306, 31 March 1913, Page 4

The Southland Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. MONDAY, MARCH 31, 1913. THE NAVAL ESTIMATES.

Once again Mr Churchill has to ask tie House of Commons and the taxpayers of Britain for an increase in the Naval Vote, and once again, also, he has to deplore the fact that the continued rivalry between the great Powers in naval construction Imposes a crushing burden upon even the wealthiest nations. Mr Churchill again suggests that Germany and England should agree between themselves to suspend operations for twelve months, and instead of wasting millions of pounds in the building of new ships devote the money to social reforms. In this way Mr Churchill renews the invitation which he extended to Germany last year, but there is little likelihood of its acceptance. Germany is in no humour for even a temporary cessation of her vast preparations for war; on the contrary, she is making heavy increases both in her military and naval expenditure, and the enthusiasm with which the “fortune tax,” imposed to raise the necessary money, has been received does not suggest that the German people are tired of footing the bill. Plainly, the prospect is one of continued competition, and it is in view of this prospect that Mr Churchill has warned the oversea dominions that they must bear a larger share of the prodigious expense. Of course, many of the dominions have voluntarily recognised their obligations in this connection, and we have no doubt that as a result of Mr Allen’s visit to London the Government will have some definite proposal to submit to the New Zealand Parliament next session. Whether the Government’s policy takes the form of an increased annual contribution to the British exchequer or co-operation in some shape with Australia and Canada for the maintenance of a Pacific Squadron, it will Involve additional expenditure and possibly Increased taxation. The position may be unpleasant to face, but there is no escape from it. The present Liberal Government of Britain would not increase the Naval Estimates if it could avoid doing so; very eagerly it would welcome an opportunity of reducing the national expenditure under this head, and of making a corresponding reduction in taxation. Mr Churchill regards the rivalry in armaments as “wasteful, purposeless and futile folly,” but the Government recognises that it is driven by circum-

stances which it cannot control and that “the maintenance of naval security is the first charge on the Empire’s resources.” ' The Governments of the overseas dominions are in precisely the same position, and however pn> pleasant it may be for-Mr Massey to suggest further taxation for purposes of defence he must rely upon the good sense and patriotism of the people of New Zealand to respond to any reasonable call that is made. We do not yet know what the policy in regard to Naval defence will be, but we trust that It will take some more inspiring form than the mere payment of an annual contribution. New Zealand ought to be associated with the Naval defence of the Empire in such a way that the people will feel the reality of their connection with the Navy, The forthcoming visit of H.M.S. New Zealand will be a great event, but from a national point of view it Is of less significance than the recent arrival of H.M.A.S. Melbourne in Australia. Australia is doing a great work in building up its own navy; in establishing naval dockyards; in training Australians to fight on sea as well as on land, and in stimulating, a strong national sentiment. At the luncheon given to him in London by the Royal Colonial Institute Mr James Allen declared unhesitatingly that "Australia is making a sacrifice greater than any one of the dominions,” and no one can follow Australia’s work without feeling the hope rise within him that some day it will be possible for New Zealand to follow Australia’s example.