DEFENCE MATTERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11812, 25 September 1916, Page 5

DEFENCE MATTERS.

THE MINISTER INTERVIEWED. DOMINION AND THE NAVY. [Teh Pukss Association-.] AUCKLAND, September 24. Replying to a deputation of yachtsmen yesterday regarding the motor patrol reserves, the Minister of Defence said there must be developments m New Zealand's relation to naval matters in future, otherwise he would not remain- in tiw Cabinet. Interviewed subsequently, Mr Alien said that personally he did not brieve in a money contribution to the Imperial Navy. The Dominion saould take its own share in the creation or such by providing its envn units, in whicii Ne\v Zealanders : might serve. . It was never intended j thai there. sfaouM bo a local naTy, but j a New Zealand unit. _ 1 A>3 regards, military service board's, J the Minister said that the principle's ! upon which they would operate would j be laid down by a meeting of t-ac chair- J men of the respective boa/ds, who | would she confer it difficulties arose j in odiafr-i-tnttion o) the Act 'lho j :-:;rcav- principle, however, should oe um- j formitv of judgment, mi ihai men j -.>•<> nit!' not bo m-wferi harshly iu one ! and liiditly !u another. _ } • hiotiemd recanting the_ discharge ,-,f 'jr.-.T-; rfh'i' ihe war, Mr Alien cjii.i - ii"i »bo t-ciurn and di; charge c<i /.<••• jap<« i v.on:d be- gradual. 11, i]i(l not tlii'ili * ilsjii ibere wm-id bo auv Jh>.-d;r.sj Oi' xho labour market I'ljWi! vn-jlij )»•• jio f'Xt.-n>:on of time I'f.r ' nr.' l '.;: r'i in lb'" M.-'-ser.VO. an,'! irkv rs ou-d prosecuted without i m tiier warning. ;