DOMINION’S DEFENCE

Southland Times, Issue 20663, 19 April 1929, Page 8

DOMINION’S DEFENCE

NECESSITY FOR REVISION. MODERN AIR DEVELOPMENT.

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, April 18

The necessity for revising the New Zealand system of defence along the lines of modern air development was referred to by Sir Joseph Ward when replying to the NavyLeague deputation to-day. Sir Joseph Ward said that the Ministry recognized that we must prepare air defences to a larger degree than at present but we could not maintain at full strength two independent systems of land and air defence to say nothing of submarines. Change to new conditions must be gradual. It would be a mistake to push forward air defence too hastily as fee time would come when there must be a combination of land and air forces. There might be submitted in the coming session legislation giving effect to the change in air defence methods but it would not be more expensive than the present system. The country must be prepared for war, although no one wanted it.

At the conference remits were presented to Sjr Joseph Ward, and the Hon T. M. Wilford.

Replying Mr Wilford said that the Government was alive to the necessity of providing suitable seaplanes and flying boats in the future. Approval been given for the purchase of a Moth plane convertible for use over land and sea and two Fairfy seaplanes similarly convertible, but the Government could not afford to find money for the creation of large aerodromes. Sir Joseph Ward said that the Government did not undervalue the importance of the navy and it appreciated the good work the Navy League was doing but he did not think it could give effect to all the deputation asked.