PROBLEMS OF THE PACIFIC

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 308, 24 September 1919, Page 8

PROBLEMS OF THE PACIFIC

THE WISDOM OF TKUSTING IN THE. NAVY. 2y TaleEranh-Preas Allocation. Auckland, September 23. Speaking at the civic reception, Vis^ :'■ count Jellicoesnid: "There are problems in-these waters of the Pacific which aro unknown, hut which may in the future lead to trouble. "Wo devoutly hope, . everybody in the Empire must hope, thaj: the Leasua of Nations will 1 minimise in the future any possible danger of war, but I do not think that there are many members of this great Empire who aio ; prepared to stake their all upon the f efficacy of a foody which had not yet really come into being. I cannot but i think that at any rate until that body has proved itself the British Empire will 1 be Aviso to trust in the future, as it has trusted in tho past, to the might of 'the British Navy^-fapplahse)—an arm which ' vou were reminded just now has never been usod except for defensive purposes and for the furtherance of justice and oivllisation in the Empire. Tho Navy is but an insurance for safety. A wiso man insures his goods, his house, every. thine he has. I believe that it will be the common opinion in the British Empire that it is wise to insure the Empire —(applause)—and the insurance, if judged by the expenses of this late war, demands a -very small premium. 'When one comes to think of the seven to eight millions a day that were spent on the vsar, the small sum required to ensuro safety by the aid of a supremo Navy is as nothing, and it is not a matter that. • admits of any great delay. I would remind you that it takes nine years' to make a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, and It takes about five years before a. boy entering a training ship is fit to become sn.-able seaman and gtmlaycr. Therefore, naval Affairs do not admit of procSsKnation. If the nation, or a portion oflte Empire, desires to help in naval defence, I say it should help now." fCheM*. *■