EMPIRE DEFENCE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 24 November 1927, Page 5

EMPIRE DEFENCE

SINGAPORE, srftPS AND AIRCRAFT NAVAL CONSTRUCTION CURTAILMENT. DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. [By Cable — Press Assn. — Copyright.] (Received 24, 8.40 a.m.) London, Nov. 23. The Hon W. C. Bridgeman, replying in the House of Commons to Commander J M. Kenworth (Lab., Central Hull), said the Singapore expenditure to date amounted to £422,287. He expected the work to be completed by 1937 at a total cost of £7,760,000. Commander Kenworthy asked was Singapore discussed at the Geneva Naval Conference and would the new circumstances responsible for the curtailment of the cruiser programme also lead to the retardment of this matter. Mr. Bridgeman said that Singapore was not discussed at Geneva. The work would certainly be retarded, but owing to the unexpected length of time involved in the preliminary work he did not suggest at Geneva any reason for the postponement of the work. Mr. Bridgeman, in renl- to another question, said that no British proposals made at Geneva would have entailed increased tonnage or costs compared with the programme outlined at the opening of the conference.

HOPEFUL OF GENEVA. The Hon. W. O. Bridgeman informed a questioner that eleven 10,000-top cruisers were beinn built. The published programme did not extend beyond 1929 and embraced one 10,000-tonner and two smaller cruisers each year in 1927. 1928. and 1929. The new situation had arisen at Geneva because although the British proposal to limit 10,000tonners had not been accepted, the discussion left a hope that limitation might eventually be readied. The Government was therefore reluctant to lav down any more 10,000ton vessels. It had dropped one 10,000-tonner and one smaller cruisei from the 1927 programme. The substitution of a smaller one for a 10,000-tonner in the 1928 programme was also under consideration. Sir J. H. Davison (Conservative, Fareham): Dqeg not that arrangement affect Imperial trade rouves and food supplies 1* Lady Astor (Conservative, Sutton): Is anyone attacking Britain’s food supplies? Mr. Bridgeman said it was imperative to prepare in advance for the defence of trade routes. Mr. E. Thurtle (Lab., Shoredifh): Will you bear in mind that the country will be pleased if von drop the other two large cruisers? There wag no answer. STRENGTH OF R.A.F. Sir Philip Sassoon. Under-Secretaiy for Air, in answer to a question, said the present approximate first line strength of the Roval Air Force was 750. machines, of which 270 were stationed abroad. The total personnel was 29,985 The French strength was 1350 first line air craft, of which 280 were stationed abroad.—(A.P.A and "Sun” cable.)

STOP INDIGESTION WHERE IT BEGINS.

lar better than relieving indigestion troubles as they come along is to remove their cause and keep free from this harrowing complaint altogether. Even by taking a little “Bisurated” Magnesia in water after meals, because this neutralises excess acidity, prevents fermentation and makes indigestion impossible. ' But “Bisurated” Magnesia does more than this; it soothes, heals and protects the inflamed stomach lining, and that is why it is recommended by doctors and used in hospitals; “Bisarated” Magnesia is sold by all chemists in both powder and tablet forms and if you suffer with indigestion you should take a little of the powder or a couple of the tablets after meals. Like thousands of other one-time sufferers, you will find that relief is immediate, no matter how severe the attack may be, or whether the trouble is one of long standing.—(Advt.)

Over one hundred years old and “he thoroughly enjoyed his pipe.” That, was recorded a while ago of Mr William Reeves, who passed away recently at Knox Home, Tamaki, Auckland, aged 101. The anti-tobacoites are never tired of telling us that smoking shorten life, but if anyone cared to take a census of inmates of these charitable institutions they would discover that great numbers of very old men—yes, and very old women too, derive comfort and consolation from their pipes. Smoking so far from being injurious is really beneficial so long as the tobacco is good and does not contain a heavy percentage of nicotine. The imported brands are practically all of them loaded with nicotine. Our New Zealand tobaccos, on the other hand, contain so little that they may be smoked all day, without any ill-effects. They are full of flavour and fragrance too, sweet and mellow- and delicious. Ask for “Riverhead Gold” if you want a fine aromatic. “Navy Cut” (Bulldog) if you like a good metliafii, or “Cut Plug No. 10” (Bulkhead) if you prefer a grand full-flavour-cd sort. (Advt.)