THE NAVY LEAGUE.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 673, 7 October 1921, Page 5

THE NAVY LEAGUE.

AND NELSON DAY. The following letter has been circulated to various local bodies in connection with “Nelson Day,” or “Trafalgar Day,” as it is generally known, which falls on the 21st of this month: — “Addressing the officers of the Army War College the other day, president Harding (of the United 3tates) said that he hoped wars would be entirely abolished in the future, but armies and navies would probably always be necessary no matter how far the aspirations of the •world peace inight lead.” (Recent cable.) , ! “Not until war has become an impossibility can we in New Zealand afford to be 'indifferent to the question of national defence.

With the disappearance of the German High Fleet the naval menace to Gireat Britain herself may be said to have disappeared. The naval forces of her neighbours present no dlanger and successful attacks on the Mother Country from more distant overseas Powers are under present conditions hardly practicable. To-day the heart of the Empire is its least- vulnerable point, its extremities most open to attack. In future time of trouble it may not be the Mother that calls on her sons to rally round her, but they that seek her assistance. To-day, however, great her will to respond, her power is very seriously curtailed, and tc-morrow under changed political and other conditions history might easily ‘repeat itself and produce British politicians as indifferent to the preservation of (the Dominion as those earlier British statesmen, who once considered the colonies too costly a burden. Thinking men and women in New Zealand do not fail ; to realise the grave fisk we run in neglecting defensive preparations, nor to appreciate the efforts ,of the. Navy League to give an emphatic expression to that sentiment and rouse us to action. As justification for taking up the work the League need only recall the nevdr questioned fact that it was owing to the parent body’s unwearied agitation for a supreme Fleet that New Zealand to-day is not a fief of Germany. In . renewing their activities to-day,’ the League reiterates its unshaken belief in a strong Navy a Navy adequate for the defence of ■the Empire and the protection of the trade routes ; and the equal necessity of educating the public to appreciate what sea power really meyns, to cherish the sea ti’aditions of the Empire, and to hold in highest honour and practice those qualities of courage, endurance, obedience and selfsacrifict nowhere more tellingly and attractively exemplified than in our, Naval history.

The League advocates no particular programme of naval construction. It merely aims at creating a strong, healthy public opinion in regard to naval defence, knowing that only in such a bracing atmosphere can we, hope to raise a people best fitted for the tasks of peace and best prepared for the dread trial of war.

In common with the League throughout the Empire, the Auckl and branch recognises that our schools offer the .largest and most fertile field for our labours. Already in many schools the teachers have been at work, but with an over-crowded syllabus only those teachers endowed with more than the average physical strength and enthusiasm can do much either directly or incidentally. We are quite sure that most of us, the Minister of Education by no means least, would, cheerfully curtail the present list of subjects taught to make room for a more studied and deliberate teaching of those things which are the foundation of character building; and we believe that the change would be to the benefit of teacher and scholar alike.. But until it is accomplished the Navy League can, with the cooperation of teachers and school committees, do much to assist in that diiection.

Arrangements are .now being made for a more impressive celebration of “Nelson Day” tlr's year than hitherto in New Zealand, partly to stimulate public interest in the occasion and its significance, and also to raise additional money for the work th League has in view. If this work appeals to you we earnestly hopes you will lend us your influence and support by encouraging the celebration of “Nejson Day” (21st October), in yQur town or district, and If possible initiating or assisting in any scheme to fouse enthusiasm and hecure monetary help. If you can arrange for the selling of Nelson Day Badges in your town or district wo shall be pleased to send you a supply. They should not be sold for less than 6d (sixpence) each.”