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Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3182, 26 May 1932, Page 4

Mr Holland's criticism last week of the Government's decision to continue New Zealand's contribution to the Eingapore Naval Base is. characteristic. First he suggests the Dominion might plead off payment by a hard-luck story. But is not Britain herself hard pressed? Nevertheless Mr Holland is quite consistent in this suggestion for the LabourSocialist Party always wants the other fellow to pay. Second he argues that the Base would create an atmosphere of fear which might precipitate war in the near'future. Aie forgets that the British traditional role is defensive not offensive. Its business in the Far East is chiefly to keep peace and, unless we are mistaken, it has recently assisted in preventing a worse conflagration in the Far East than just occurred. The completion of the Base would ensure feuch pacific naval action being pursued with far more confidence and effectiveness in the future.