THE NAVAL ARM

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 125, 24 February 1928, Page 8

THE NAVAL ARM

INTEREST OF CITIZENS PRIME MINISTER’S APPRECIATION Appreciation of the interest citizens take in the question of naval defence was expressed by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) yesterday when addressing a deputation from the Navy League Conference which waited on him and the of Defence (Hon. F. J. Rolleston). In handing to the Prime Minister the result of the deliberations of the conference (the particulars of which have been published), the president (Sir Alexander Roberts) congratulated the Government on the action it had taken regarding the Singapore Base. “We feel sure,” lie said, "that in that action you have the whole of the wellthinking population of New Zealand behind yon.”

The Minister of Defence said that attention was always paid to the recommendations of the Navy League Conference. The training of sea cadets was part of the programme in regard to the Royal Naval Reserve, and when it was established in the four centres, youths woulil have the opportunity of having sea or land training. Touching the remit suggesting the appointment of a committee to advise men leaving the navy as to the best occupations to follow, the Minister said he was sure the Government would be glad to assist the league in the formation of any committee such as would prevent men retiring from the navy with a little capital from putting it into unprofitable ventures. At all events the Navy League might function at the start. Interest Appreciated. In the course of his remarks the Prime Minister said that the Defence Department was working in close cooperation and in complete agreement with the navy. The stage had not yet been reached where two separate branches could be set up. “We appreciate the interests the citizens of New Zealand .are taking in the question of naval defence.” continued Mr. CbMes. “It is an all-important matter that must be kept clearlv in front of the country. It must be remembered that trade routes are the life-blood of our country and necessary precautions will be taken to see that they are as secure as reasonable men can expect them to be, always having in mind our capacity as a country to meet the cost. Everything we do must be in co-operation with the Mother Country, and involving a general scheme that fits in with the Empire.” Mr. Coates promised to give the representations his earnest consideration.