DEFENCE POLICY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14339, 8 July 1914, Page 5

DEFENCE POLICY.

THE LINES OF CLEAVAGE, MR ISITT ON WASTE AND FOLLY. (By Telegraph.—Special to Herald.) WELLINGTON, July 8. The member for Christchurch North (Mr Lsitl) was very happy to-day in his references to the Government's naval deleuce policy. it seemed to appeal to iiis sense 01 humour, though he did not fail to show indignation when touching on the sciioiis aspects of the matter. Mr isitt congnilulaicO Uic Minister of Defence upon nuviiig staged a pretty piece ol make-believe indignation with his critics, whom lie termed “little New Zcalai.dels. Ail Hus muster was simply a screen behind which the Minister of Lelciice and the i'leniier hud abjectly climbed down, if (lie Government aimed at sacrificing the economic, development of tJit* country by wasting money which ought to be spent upon backblocks loans and railways, and other works, upon Uielcss ships (because they were useless if they were not within the arena of the struggle), tin; Government was pursuing an unrighteous course, a course which would not create a mere line of party cleavage, but one of cleavage between the privileged few and the tolling many. (Hear, near.) THE TRAINING SCHFME. There were two schemes a wonderful independent navy, and a training scheme to train (it) men at a cost of .hot), 000, or .12500 pier man. Vet Mr Allen was the gentlejnun who accused the Liberals of lining a matter-cash party. What was to happen to the men when they were trained.- They were not necessarily to remain in New Zealand, as the Minister plainly said they were at the Admiralty's disposal. A much more effective and economical way would be to utilise the British Navy for training, and the Admiralty would be only- too willing to help in that way. He did not agree with those who considered Japan a menace. Japan was financially on the rocks. It had enough to do with Korea, and there was the treaty with England! and the position of Russia. No aggression was feared from china, but suppose a. ends developed in Europe- The fate of the whole British Empire would be dc.erimned in those waters, therefore, if we were wise, we should concentrate upon strengthening the main unit. This was recognised by the Premier, who declared that immediately war was declared lie would cable Home placing the New Zealand ships at the dbposal of the Admiralty. The sec-ond-class cruiser and the Philomel would straightaway start lor England, to arrive m time to pick up the piece, or themselves be picked up piecemeal. That was the policy of a “great New Zealander. ” (Opposition laughter.) The Government had no uiore chance of cajoling the people of New Zealand into this foolish navy scheme than they had of flying, and the people of New Zealand owed tluir salvation to the Liberal party. There were differences in the Cabinet over the question, and he knew of many members on the. Government side who deprecated, explained, and apologised for it, saying it would never come to anything. “That is so,” declared Mr Isitt, “we have taken good care of that.”

NAVAL SCHEMES. MINISTERIALIST SHOWS INDEPENDENCE, FUTILITY OF LOCAL TRAINING. WELLINGTON, July 7. Ministerial followers are not unanimous over tho Government's change of naval policy. Mr Bell (Wellington Suburbs), in a speech to-night, showed a departure from the official Ministerial view, which is all the more interesting because he is the son of a Cabinet Minister. Mr Bell, junr., told tho House to-uight that he was against local training, because it could not bo nearly so effective as if the men were able to move through tho brunches of a great fleet. Another objection he had to the Government’s proposals was that the next war was not likely to take place in the Pacific, and even if it did, the ships wo possessed would bo absolutely inadequate to deal with tho situation. (Opposition hear bear’s.”) Still, Mr Bell added, be was going to vote for tho Government. He favoured the policy of contribution, but if New Zealand money simply went to reduce the English Naval Estimates, then he .preferred the Government’s scheme. Cordial agreement with Mr Bell’s candid expression came from Mr H. G_ Ell, who declared that the safety of every branch of the English-speaking race depended on the maintenance of a powerful navy in Home waters. The Ministry, on the contrary, favoured a local navy. "No,” corrected the Prime Minister, a Pacific navy.”