NAVAL DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 9

NAVAL DEFENCE

OUR FUTURE POLICY

DISCUSSED BY FARMERS

Naval defence was discussed at yesterday's sitting of the Farmers' Union Conference in connection with tho following remit from Southland: "That in tho opinion of this conference, although the unity of the Empire Fleet must always remain imperative, tlfo heart of tho Empire being vital to tho extremities, yet some form of local defenco is a necessity and will tend to develop t'lio sentiment of personal interest and sacrifice to the Empire to a greater degree than a purely monetary subsidy." Mr. John M'Queen (Southland), as mover of the remit, said that by the time Britain had finished with Germany there would not bo much necessity for building' up a strong fleet, but the conference had a right to express its opinion as to tho best scheme of local defence. The work accomplished by tho Australian Navy had altered the aspect of things, and it seemed as if tho money would in future bo better spent in building up a navy of our own. ' Mr. G. Gardner (North Canterbury) seconded the remit, pro forma, for the purpose of asking Mr. M'Queen to withdraw it. All tho country's efforts should bs devoted to helping tho Mother Country to beat the Germans. Mr. G. Anderson (Pelorus Sound) said hs.was strongly in favour of tho remit being carried.

Mr. W. A. Cox (Southland) said that if it had not been for the. Australian Fleet there was little doubt that Admiral von Spce's squadron would lave been on our coast. He supported tho remit.

E- Maxwell (Taranaki) agreed with Mr. Gardner, that the time was scarcely opportune for tho discussion of the question, but it, was tho correct tinio to set about -finding the full strength of our resources. He suggested _ that at the conclusion of the discussion he should he allowed to introduce a motion as follows:—"That it is the opinion of the conference that a Dominion Register should be forthwith compiled so that absolute knowledge a,9 to our resources in men, etc., would he available in case of extreme need or urgency."'

Mr. A. A. Ross (Auckland) moved as an amendment that any decision as to the .future naval uolicy of the Dominion should bo left in abeyance until affe>r_ the close of the war.

Tills was seconded and on a division was carried by a substantial majority, and subsequently adopted as the motioai. Mr. James Begg (Otago) had given notice of an amendment expressing confidence in the Admiralty, but he did not press the matter further.

Mr. Maxwell _ was refused permission to introduce his resolution (new business) at that stage, but will be allowed to place it on tlie Supplementary Order Paner, which will also include a resolution expressing appreciation of the work done by the Australian Navy, and another resolution commending tho manner in which the Government has handled the war situation.