THE NAVY LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 140, 8 March 1919, Page 7

THE NAVY LEAGUE

ANNUAL REPORT MATTERS OF NAVAL POLICY . The annual report of the Wellington branch of the Navy League, after reviewing the efforts of the -year, makes tho following reference, to* matters of naval policyßepresentations werb made to the Government during the war period regarding the difficulties which New Zealand boys experience in joining the •Navy. Since the cessation of hostilities, the question has again been brought under the notice of the Minister of Defence. In thig, matter, as well as tho futUTe naval polioy of New Zealand, the various branches of the league throughout Nevr Zealand should agree upon a Suited action. In an • island country, with no part of it far removed from tho sea coast, we should provide ono of the best recruiting grounds for the Imperial Navy' and the _ mercantile. marine. The 6mall effort which has been wade up to the present ' has shown tho sterling qualities of New Zealand boys and their adaptability to sea life. With regard to our naval policy, it has been suggested that a conference of branches should be held toiConsider the question, and without expressing any opinion thereon, the committeo desires to say that there can only bo one view with respect to • the obligation of this country to materially . increase its assistance towards naval defence. What : New Zealand has done up to the present is entirely unworthy of a people so dependent upon sea power and with such a valuable trade to protect. _ "The committee is pleased that President Wilson has abandoned his formula with respect to tho freedom of the sens. A memorandum was presented to .the New Zealand representatives to the Peace Conference, expressing the view that an all-powerful British Navy, mercantile marine, and air forco were the best securities for _ the future ,peace of the world. It is satisfactory to find that our representatives have taken up this attitude firmly at the conference. "Regular monthly meetings of the executive committee have been held during the year, and have been well attended. A very suiti-bl- suite of offices ha" b°en Beciired in Ballance Street, and all the various activities of the league are now concentrated under the one, roof. This has proved a very great convenience, and has added greatly to the success of the league's operations. : The Future. "Tho question may' be, and is often asked: What will be . the uses of the Navy League now that the war has been won, and a League of Nations is about to be set up? We submit a few headings, which set out the present and future objects of the Navy League, and the principles for which it stands: 1. The dissemination among the peoples of the 'Empire, and British subjects in all parts, of the world exact knowledge ■upon the provision and use of sea power as the keystone of British national and Imperial policy. 2. The advocacy of an all-powerful Navy, air force, and mercantile marine i & to F B ' essential'for the security of the Empirtj and the maintenance of Britain in her rightful position as mistress of the seas. ■' ■ 3. The immediate reconstruction of our mercantile tonnage to' at least the prewar standard before any foreign orders tor the building of merchant ships are executed, and the demand that there shall be no. transfer-of British shipping t° foreign owners or flags until British mercantile supremacy shall have been restored. . .. ■1. The application, of steady -pressure upon Parliament and the -.Gove r nme.it .through the education of public opinion,' lor closer co-ordination between the Royal Navy and the mercantile marine with a .view to the exigencies of war. 5. The support of all just claims of officers and'men of the Royal Navy with regard to pay, pensions, 'and prize money. u. Hie stimulation of interest among the teachers and children"of ; all"classes oi schools in the Empire in the sea. viiid air services l as dominant factors in "Imi penal- existence and'prosperity/ : _7."The extension of the Boys' Naval Brigade movement and tho establishment ot proper-training institutions with the view to the preparation of lioys for a sea career whenever , possible, for the elimination of aliens from the British mercantile marine. 8. The administration of .the funds protided at-.,the instance of the league at Home and.overseas for .the relief of the dependants of the men of the sea services who have lost , their lives in the war and for the education and apprenticeship of their children. . 9. Ihp promotion of public opinion in New Zealand whereby people will be educated to realise their responsibilities and the necessity to undertake greater obligations to provide for adequate naval defence. • j '• '.The» objects if energetically and consistently brought before tho 1 public, will,In our opinion, place the-Navy Leaguo in a position'of infinitely greater use to'ihe natioii than ever before, and will need no justification for - it.? existence as aii in'^Pendent Organisation determined to uphold the freedom of a great maritime Power. - ••