AUSTRALIA’S NAVY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1920, Page 1

AUSTRALIA’S NAVY

LORD BEATTY’S EULOGY

AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, Juno 7

Spunking at a Western Australian dinner at which the Agent-General, Mr Connelly presided, Admiral Beatty who proposed the toast ol' Western Australia, referred to the work of the Australian navy during the war. He said it has rendered the greatest assistance towards the capture of the German possessions. It had the honour of capturing the first German war vessel, the Comet. The destruction of the notorious Einden was another achievement of which Australia might well he proud. The lirst vessel to penetrate into the Sea of Mamora was the Australian submarine. Later the Australian cruisers, Melbourne and Sydney came under his own personal observation, where he had an opportunity of recognising the Australians as seamen and fighting men. The Australian navy had justified its existence, and was of the greatest help to the British Empire in carrying out the late struggle. The war was now over and tlio menace of the Gorman Navy had passed away, lliey were now trying to utilise the experience of the war in order to see that the sacrifice of live years, should not have been made in vain. First and fore most they learned that the naval cooperation of the Dominions must form an integral part of Empire defence. A* an Empire their strength lay in their common interest. What they had to devise to-day was the co-operation of the Dominions in the lifival defence of the Empire. The Australian navy was the excellent example of what its form should take. A navy based upon the Dominion ports would he most efficacious for the safety of the Empire, which depended upon the security of its communications. The controls of those sen communications was a problem of Imperial defence, and it extended to every sea. The Dominions could exercise this control in their own maritime areas. Therefore their protection would have a strong military value. Australia, with her naval ports, could play an important- part in naval defence. Naval defence implied the provision of the per- • sonnel, and of the repairing facilities, and finally the building of warships, but the personnel was the most important factor. Everything should he done to make the people understand the part the navy ,had to play in tlio future development of the Commonwealth and in the safety of the Empire. Australia was joined to the British Empire. It was duo to her command of the. sea. Referring to emigration Lord Beatty regretted that movements to Australia were handicapped by a lack of shipping; but trusted that obstacles would soon be overcome. But a larger flow of shipping means the development of seapower, and that is summed up.in the fact that Westralia depends for her progress on the command of the sea. This same condition applies to every unit o the Empire'. He hoped the parochial ideas woulu he put aside. Every member must realize that disaster-to one part of the Empire was disaster to the whole. He hoped they would devise a scheme, of naval defence equitable to individual requirements and commitments and that they would make the world a bettei place to live in. Westralia gave a great example during the war, 40 per cent, of her men enlisting. He was sure that Westralia would maintain this effort. In regard to naval development, eyeiy naval officer would support him m the statement that for true patriotism of the highest ideals you have to go beyond the seas. ■ ... Mr Connolly, replying, stressed tne need for a more equal distribution of the Empire’s man-power. Australia with her vast territory and meagre population was the most vulnerable part of the Empire; hut if filled with a British population it would give the surest, cheapest, and best defence.