A NAVAL UNIT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 218, 9 June 1919, Page 4

A NAVAL UNIT

At an immediate view it is gratifying news that Mn. Massey, on behalf of his Government, has arranged with the Admiralty to take over an up-to-date light cruiser to be based permanently in the Dominion. It may be questioned, however, whether this step is not somewhat precipitate in view of tho fact that as eminent an authority, as Loed

jEUiicoE is about to visit New Zealand to advise on naval policy. Tho time, of course, has corao when the Dominion must assumo its' fair share of responsibility in tho matter of naval defence, and must contribute men as well as money to swell the naval forces of the Empire. In regard to theso things there is very general agreement. But while the establishment of some sort of naval force in the Dominion is a foregone conclusion, the lines on which it should bo developed and the class of ships to be acquired are distinctly matters upon which the Government ought to bo guided from first to last by expert advice. Mn. Massey presumably has been advised that they oil-driven light cruiser made available by the Admiralty (with a coalburning Bristol cruiser as a temporary substitute until arrangements can be made to provide oil fuel) will meet New Zealand requirements in regard to the training of personnel and in other respects' The matters nevertheless, might very well have been allowed to stand over until Loud Jellicoe's recommendations havo- been icceived and considered as a whole. There is no suggestion, meantime, that he has been consulted in regard to the acquisition of the cruiser., and tho Government ought to retain full freedom to follow his advice should he consider some variation of the arrangement which the Prime Minister proposes desirable. This suggests itself equally as a matter of courtesy and with an eye to sound policy.