NAVY LEAGUE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 26 June 1926, Page 13

NAVY LEAGUE.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTERS. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 24., The remits passed by the Navy League at the annual conference were submitted to the Prime Minister (Hon. J. G. Coates), and the Defence Minister, lion, E. J. Rolleston. Introducing the deputation, Mr W. J. Girling said they desired to impress on the Government the need for greater expenditure on naval defence. Mr Dougall said they were pleased to note from the Governor’s Speech that greater provision was to be made for the Navy League. They desired either that the Dominion’s contribution should be increased to 25s per capita, equal to Britain, or that the scheme proposed by Earl Jellicoo should bo given serious consideration. It would mean an expenditure of 12s per head. Mr It. Darroch (Wellington) spoke of the need of an adequate air force. He suggested that the Navy should have an equal opportunity with the Army of formulating a policy of air development.

Replying, Mr Jtolleston pointed out that New Zealand had provided a second cruiser, and another £IOO,OOO was being provided for 1920-27. If they ivent in for a third cruiser, which was a matter under consideration, it would moan an additional £225,000 in the naval vote, or the naval contribution would be raised to tlio amount suggested by Earl Jellicoe. The Naval Board would have to report, but a third cruiser could not be stationed in New Zealand for another two years; as the .Admiralty would have to make fresh cruiser dispositions. It was intended to establish a naval reserve m the' four chief centres. Although it was hoped ultimately to institute a sea cadet force, it was not thought that the time was quite ripe yet.. '1 he matter would not be lost sight of. Neither the Defence Department nor the Naval Board thought New Zealand should exercise any functions as regards an

air force, it being considered wiser to retain control by the army for the present. Mr Coates said the question of a third cruiser would be discussed by "him at the Imperial • Conference, Before launching into. further expenditure they wanted to ensure that the money was being wisely spent. Earl Jcllicoc’s policy would bo completed as soom as possible. Ho ngieop that it was hard to say that New Zealand spent enough on tlio navy, but they must make perfectly sure that tlio defence money was spent on the most modern forms. "Regarding the air force policy, ho believed it would he unwise to have divided control at the present stage. The Government was considering the advisability otadopting new machines, hut whatever type uns decided on must depend on tiio experience of tlio British Government. New Zealand would have to cooperate in anv move for disarmament, but, for the present the Government agreed with the aims awl objects ot tlio Navy League.